Parades, Fireworks, and Traffic Changes: What to Expect During Maldives 60th Independence Day

Parades, Fireworks, and Traffic Changes: What to Expect During Maldives' 60th Independence Day

Celebrating 60 years since gaining independence from British protectorate status in 1965, the Maldives has planned three days of festivities from Saturday, July 26 to Monday, July 28, 2025. Across Malé, Hulhumalé, and Velana International Airport, residents and visitors will witness parades, cultural performances, and landmark inaugurations that blend heritage with national ambition.

A Three-Day Celebration of National Identity

This historic milestone honors the formal transfer of sovereignty, led by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British Ambassador Sir Michael Walker, as the Maldives joined the United Nations in 1965 and transitioned to a republic in 1968. The anniversary theme—“Maldivians’ own nation, Maldivians’ freedom”—resonates throughout the program, reflecting national unity and pride.

Independence Events Schedule: July 26–28, 2025

Saturday, July 26

  • 6:00 a.m. – The national flag-raising ceremony will take place at Republic Square, Malé, marking the official start of celebrations.

  • 4:15 p.m. – A military parade featuring the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Cadet Corps, students, and cultural ensembles will march through central Malé.

  • 8:30 p.m. – Inauguration of the new VIA terminal will be celebrated with a six-minute synchronized fireworks display launched from 19 points (16 sea sites around Malé, plus 3 near the airport), accompanied by a drone show organized by MACL.

Sunday, July 27

  • 8:30 a.m. – The official Independence Day ceremony will be held at the Youth Centre in Malé, attended by former Presidents and national dignitaries.

  • 8:30 p.m. – A fireworks display over Malé’s skyline celebrates Independence Day in grandeur.

Monday, July 28

  • Festivities shift to Hulhumalé, where community events, cultural performances, and parades take center stage.

  • At 8:30 p.m., a final fireworks show will light up Hulhumalé Central Park, closing out the celebrations.

In honor of these events, Republic Square has been closed to the public since July 10 and will reopen after setup and preparations conclude on July 25.

VIA Terminal

The opening of Velana International Airport’s new terminal represents a bold step forward in the country’s infrastructure vision. Built to manage up to 7 million passengers annually, the terminal features expanded facilities, enhanced services, and greater operational efficiency. The inauguration event and its fireworks/drone show underline the importance of this milestone for the Maldives’ future.

Traffic Measures

To accommodate parades and large gatherings, the Ministry of Transport has issued temporary traffic restrictions across Malé and Hulhumalé. These take place July 25–27 to maintain safety, reduce congestion, and support security operations.

Restriction Details

Friday, July 25 (preparations)

  • Key areas around Republic Square and parade routes restricted ahead of events.

Saturday, July 26

  • 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Restrictions apply to:

    • Light, moderate, and heavy cargo vehicles

    • Special-purpose vehicles

    • Towed vehicles

  • 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: All vehicles prohibited in selected city zones to accommodate the parade.

Sunday, July 27

  • 6:00 p.m. – midnight: Cargo and special vehicles remain restricted as the city prepares for evening ceremonies and fireworks.

Exceptions: Public buses, police, military, and ambulances may operate as usual throughout the restricted periods.

Since ending British oversight in 1965, after nearly eight decades as a protectorate, the Maldives has charted a steady path toward sovereignty, international engagement, and modernization. Independence Day now symbolizes national unity, self-rule, and progress.

The six-decade celebration in 2025 combines tradition with transformation: from parades honoring the past to a terminal heralding future growth. These symbolic and infrastructural milestones connect the nation’s heritage with its aspirations.