The Maldives will kick off 2025 with a unique cultural celebration as the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), in collaboration with a range of local partners, presents the inaugural Maldives Culture and Food Festival. This two-day event, taking place at Central Park in Hulhumale’, promises to offer both locals and tourists an immersive experience of Maldivian culture, cuisine, and entertainment.
Event Details and Timings
The festival will begin on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024, at 20:00, with gates opening to the public. The evening’s programme will include a spectacular drone show showcasing a tourist’s journey through the Maldives, followed by traditional Boduberu performances and Dhafi Negun, a Maldivian drumming and dance show. As midnight approaches, attendees can look forward to a New Year’s Eve countdown, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to ring in 2025.
The festivities will continue on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, from 16:00 to 22:00. This second day of the festival will feature a variety of food and craft stalls, allowing visitors to sample authentic Maldivian dishes and explore local arts and crafts. Family-friendly activities are also part of the schedule, including a police and fire truck showcase, a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a Transformers display. Further entertainment will be provided by additional Boduberu performances and a Roboman showcase.
Cultural and Culinary Offerings
The festival aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives, offering a platform for traditional arts, crafts, and performances. Food stalls will feature a range of Maldivian delicacies, giving attendees the chance to experience the island nation’s exceptional culinary offerings, from seafood dishes to local snacks.
Organisers and Partners
The event is supported by several key local entities, including the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), MyHulhumale’, Business Center Corporation (BCC), Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Public Service Media (PSM), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, Manta Air, Maldivian, Ace Travels, and Gulf Air.
