National Day Commemorated in the Maldives – Celebrations Held Across the Country

An important day in the annual events calendar of the Maldives, the nation’s National Day was celebrated on 16th September 2023. This was a time that the country joined together to remember the period when the Portuguese who had invaded and taken over the Maldives, were successfully driven away in 1573. The driving force behind this victory was Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam who along with his brothers and a dedicated band of patriots defeated the Portuguese and took back control of Male, which is the nation’s capital.

To mark this occasion, various activities and festivities were held across the country including in Male. Amongst the highlights were colourful processions, military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and political speeches; in some places, there were fireworks and various performances too. While it was a public holiday, the best resorts in Maldives remained open offering travellers much to enjoy; this included private island properties in the Baa Atoll like The Nautilus Maldives catering to families and couples alike.