Independence Day celebrations held at Republic Square

The 61st anniversary of Maldives’ independence was celebrated on Sunday evening with an official ceremony, parade and cultural performances at Republic Square, Male’ City. 

This year’s celebrations were graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State, and Member of the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He attended on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed observed the ceremony. 

The event commenced with a 21-gun salute accorded to the President by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), followed by a military display and a ceremonial procession. 

The programme featured a Parade of Honour, including MNDF vehicles, and a National Cadet Corps (MNCC) Parade of Honour with contingents representing 15 schools. 

A total of 348 students from Shaheed Ali School, Rehendhi School and Iskandhar School performed an item showcasing national unity and spirit. The Heyvalla Cultural Troupe presented a boduberu performance. 

MNDF also staged a musical reenactment titled “Minivankan”, depicting historic battles fought by Maldivian soldiers. The item was performed by newly recruited soldiers who completed the national service programme and the 72nd Basic Military Training. 

The evening concluded with a fireworks display at the official jetty area. 

Maldives celebrates Independence Day on July 26 each year. The country gained full political independence on July 26, 1965, through a treaty signed by then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and Sir Michael Walker on behalf of the British Government, at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Colombo. 

Independence Day remains one of the most colourful national holidays in Maldives, marked by military displays, parades and cultural performances across the country.