Festivals

Maldivians have great national pride. In all festival planning a feeling of family is sensed as women, men, and children share in the preparation of food, decoration, and entertainment programmes. Most celebrations will find a blending of tradition and modern entertainment. Folk dances and music using wooden instruments may be followed by modern jazz or pop music. People from all professions work side by side in a spirit of co-operation for these celebrations.
Besides important religious holidays celebrated following the lunar calendar, traditional celebrations provide a festive atmosphere. Independence Day brings days of festive activities with school and government holidays. Almost every holiday brings out the green and red national flags criss-crossed over main streets and displayed from private homes. Festivals usually have two types of parades: the usual marching of bands and the parade of children smartly groomed for viewing by all neighbours and sundry spectators.
Whether commemorating a marriage or circumcision, the drummers, dancers, and singers keep pace with the rhythm of traditional music. Most celebrations offer an excuse for a feast. Gula (fried fish balls with tuna and coconut), kuli boakiba (spicy fish cakes), foni boakiba (coconut milk and rice pudding), and kiru Sarbat (sweet milk drink) are popular dishes. The special after-dinner treat is made from bileh leaves, foah nuts, and cloves. A festival may also include a tour group of young Maldivian women and musicians, who provide a special entertainment, Bandiya Jehun: the beating of metallic water pots to the tune of an accompanying song. The island poet may be called upon to recite Raivaru, a traditional form of poetry sung in a slow, even tune which expresses various sentiments.