Maldives public holidays and festivals: 2027 calendar

Everyday business follows the Gregorian calendar, but religious holidays follow the Hijri (Islamic) calendar, where each month starts with the sighting of the new moon. So the exact date of Eid is only confirmed a day or two beforehand.

Worth knowing:

• The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Government offices work Sunday to Thursday.
• Holidays are set by the government each year. The President’s Office can add extra days. In 2026, for example, the government gave a full week off for Eid al-Adha, from 24 to 30 May (as reported by MFR, citing the government’s announcement).
• Fridays are partly quiet anyway. Shops and cafés close for a while around the midday prayer.

Treat any calendar, including ours, as a planning guide and check confirmed dates nearer your trip.

The fixed dates below are exact. The Islamic dates are estimates, based on astronomical projections published in 2026 (the International Astronomical Center and the UAE’s Astronomy Centre, as reported by Khaleej Times and The National). They may move by a day or so, depending on when the moon is sighted in the Maldives. Eid holidays usually last several days, and the government sometimes adds more.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of fasting. Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke from dawn to sunset. The first day is a public holiday. For the rest of the month, working hours are shorter, island life slows in the day and comes alive after sunset, when families break the fast together.

On a local island, don’t eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight; guesthouses still serve meals to guests. Our guide to visiting Dhiffushi during Ramadan explains what it is really like on a local island, and much of it applies across the country.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is one of the happiest times of the year. The day starts with Eid prayers at the mosque in the morning. After that come family visits, new clothes, food shared between houses and plenty of sweets. Many people travel home to their islands, so boats fill up.

Hajj Day and Eid al-Adha

Hajj Day (the Day of Arafat) falls on the day pilgrims gather at Arafat during the Hajj; many Maldivians fast on this day. Eid al-Adha follows, and it is usually the longest holiday break of the year.

Island councils often run a full programme. In 2026 the Ministry of Heritage asked councils to organise large congregational prayers followed by a community breakfast, traditional island games in the afternoon open to children, women and older people, and evening events. On many islands you may also see:

• Boduberu, the big drum music of the Maldives, with singing and dancing.
• Bodu mas, a lively parade with a giant model fish, acting out a fishing story.
• Maali, costumed “monster” characters who chase children through the streets.
• Tug-of-war and other old games played on the beach or in the main street.

Visitors are usually welcome to watch; dress modestly and ask before close-up photos.

Islamic New Year

The first day of Muharram begins the new Hijri year. It is a calm, religious holiday rather than a festival.

Independence Day (26 July)

The Maldives became fully independent from Britain on 26 July 1965. Independence Day is the biggest national celebration of the year and is usually a two-day holiday.

In Malé there is a parade by the Maldives National Defence Force, boduberu and traditional dance, and fireworks. Many islands hold their own celebrations too: flags and lights along the streets, sports matches, music nights and school events. On a local island, the evening events are often the easiest way to see the whole community out together.

National Day

National Day (Qaumee Dhuvas) falls on 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. It remembers the end of Portuguese occupation of Malé in the 16th century, led by Muhammad Thakurufaanu, a national hero. Expect school events and flags.

The Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid)

This marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, with readings and gatherings at mosques and homes. Visitors simply carry on as usual.

The Day Maldives Embraced Islam

According to tradition, the Maldives became a Muslim country in 1153, when the king converted. The day is marked early in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Akhir. For the longer story, see our history of the Maldives.

New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Victory Day and Republic Day

• New Year’s Day (1 January) and Labour Day (1 May) are general days off.
• Victory Day (3 November) remembers the defeat of the attack on Malé on 3 November 1988. The day is usually marked with official ceremonies and a parade by the defence force.
• Republic Day (11 November) marks the start of the Second Republic in 1968.

For visitors, these are mainly days when offices are closed.

Offices, banks and shops

Government offices are closed, and banks close or open only for limited hours. Before the long Eid break in 2026, the Maldives Monetary Authority said banks would open for one short day and that cash withdrawals and cash wire transfers would not be available, so it told people to get cash ready in advance. Carry some rufiyaa before a long holiday. Our money, costs and taxes guide covers cash and cards.

Small shops and cafés on local islands often stay open, though some close on Eid morning.

Boats and ferries

Around Eid, many Maldivians go home to their islands, so speedboats and ferries can be full, and public ferries may run a different holiday schedule.

• Book shared speedboat seats early if you travel in the days around Eid.
• Check ferry sailings close to the date. For Dhiffushi, see the MTCC public ferry route 308 page.
• Leave a spare day before an international flight if you are travelling around a long holiday.

Our guide to getting around the Maldives explains the options, and how to get to Dhiffushi gives island-specific advice.

Guesthouses and activities

Guesthouses stay open over holidays, and excursions and diving usually run, though some crews take Eid morning off. Maldivians travel too, so rooms and picnic island trips can book up.

Ramadan daytime rules

During Ramadan, on local islands, don’t eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight. Resorts follow their own rules. The usual dress code on local islands applies all year: swimwear on designated bikini beaches only, and shoulders and knees covered elsewhere. See our local island etiquette guide.

Island life has its own calendar too. Many inhabited islands hold football tournaments, often in the evenings when it is cooler, and the whole island turns out to watch. School sports days, music nights, boduberu performances and island anniversary events also happen through the year.

These are usually announced locally and at short notice, so ask your guesthouse what is on that week. On a small island like Dhiffushi, an evening match or a holiday programme on the main street is often the best way to meet people.

For daily life and customs, see Maldives culture, people and language. For weather, see the best time to visit the Maldives.