60th Independence Day festivities kick off with flag-hoisting ceremony

Maldives kicked off its 60^th Independence Day celebrations with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Republic Square in the capital on Saturday, attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

The ceremony took place at the Republic Square in Male’ City at 06:00 am.

It was also attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha were welcomed upon arrival by Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Heritage Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim.

In addition to the hoisting of the flag, a special prayer was recited to mark the significance of the occasion.

 The ceremony concluded with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) military band performing the Maldives’ national anthem.

Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26th, commemorating the day the Maldives gained full independence from the British in 1965.