Maldives is slowly making it back to the travel scene after the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. An island nation highly dispersed in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is that chain of coral atolls that look like a necklace from afar. Because of its cobalt blue waters and almost year-round sunshine, Maldives is almost always working at full capacity anytime of the year. A deeply Muslim country, Maldives celebrates major Islamic festivals fervently such that travelers wanting to avoid inconvenience would be best advised to visit Maldives outside of these Islamic events.
Below is the list of the Maldives public holiday schedule 2013.
New Year’s Day, Tuesday 1 January 2013
The first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar is celebrated in Maldives albeit its deep Islamic roots.
National Day, Thursday 24 January 2013
This day in 1573, Muhammad Thakurufaanul Auzam triumphed over the Portuguese colonizers after 15 years of struggle for independence.
Mawlid al-Nabi, Monday 4 February 2013
As a deeply devout Muslim country, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is a major religious festival in Maldives.
The Day Maldives Embraced Islam, Friday 29 March 2013
Buddhism has a 1,400-year-long history in Maldives, but in 1153, the entire island nation converted to Islam. It has been a predominantly Muslim country ever since.
Independence Day, Friday 26 July 2013
On this day in 1965, Maldives declared independence from the United Kingdom after having been under its control for 77 years.
Start of Ramadan, Saturday 20 July 2013
Ramadan, or the month of fasting, is a major Muslim festival because fasting is considered as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During this period, restaurants are closed, so finding food may be a challenge as the country is predominantly Muslim. Expect that attendants at hotels may be less receptive and slower than usual. Their fast starts at sunrise and is broken at sundown, a cleansing they have to do for the duration of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr, Monday 19 August 2013
The end of Ramadan is a period of rejoicing and a time for families to share a feast.
Victory Day, Sunday 3 November 2013
On this day in 1988, Sri Lankan terrorists, in collaboration with Maldivian subversives, attempted to overthrow the government but failed. The Maldivian army, assisted by the Indian military, prevailed. The collaborators were able to flee the country, but they left casualties of serious injury and death of hostages.
Hajj Day, Thursday 24 October
Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Eid al-Adha, Saturday 26 October 2013
The Feast of the Sacrifice is another major Islamic festival celebrated with the slaughter of livestock and the sharing of slaughtered meat to family, friends and the needy.
Republic Day, Monday 11 November 2013
Maldives were once ruled by kings and queens, but the monarchy ended on this day in 1968 and the country elected to become a republic.
Muharram Friday, 15 November 2013
Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Islamic New Year differs from the traditional Western New Year. Muharram is derived from the first month of the year of the same name.
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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