Qaumee Dhuvas in Maldives in 2023 – Celebrating The Maldives’ National Day

Qaumee Dhuvas, or “National Day” in Dhivehi, the local tongue of the Maldives, is set to be celebrated on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar – or the 16th of September of the Gregorian calendar. Celebrating the liberation of the Maldivian archipelago from Portuguese occupiers in 1573, the country includes parades and route marches on the streets of Male and many other islands.

The liberation, led by Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, saw the driving out of the Portuguese occupying forces when they attempted to introduce the Christian religion to the Maldives, ending 15 years of Colonial rule. In this endeavour, one can find many islands that host eco-friendly resort properties taking part in the celebrations in an effort to spread Maldivian culture, such as the OBLU Select Lobigili.