Victory Day 2023 Celebrated in the Maldives – Commemorating a Key Triumph for the Nation

This month saw the Maldives celebrate Victory Day, one of its important national events. Held on the 3rd of November every year, this day commemorates the time an attempted coup in the country was thwarted. The coup took place in 1988 when followers of the previous president, Ibrahim Nasir (who had fled to Singapore), along with mercenaries instigated an incursion taking over government buildings, the airport and radio and TV stations. The then ruler, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, managed to escape capture and appealed to the international community for help. Neighbouring nation, India, came to the country’s aid and its military operation on 3rd November 1988 saw Indian forces arrive in the Maldives to help defeat the coup and restore rule to President Gayoom.

Thus, Victory Day is celebrated with great fervour and includes a flag-hoisting ceremony in the capital, Male, near the Victory Monument. Additionally, the city also plays host to parades and marches featuring members of the armed forces, while one can also listen to speeches by national leaders. Male continues to be a key destination where one can experience local culture before or after a stay at one of the luxury Maldives resorts in the South Male Atoll. These include properties like OZEN LIFE MAADHOO which offer visitors a chance to enjoy the best of this destination even during national holidays like Victory Day.