Top Cultural Celebrations and Traditional Festivals in the Maldives: Island Festivities
Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic world, and arguably the biggest celebration on the Maldivian calendar of events. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures. The evenings are filled with prayers, family gatherings, and the breaking of the fast, known as iftar, which includes dates, sweet drinks, and local delicacies. Many businesses adjust their operating hours to accommodate fasting, and the atmosphere in the Maldives becomes more peaceful. The last ten days of Ramadan are especially important, with increased prayers and charity work.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Listly
30-05-2025
- Listly
How To Experience Dubai Like A Local: A Guide To Authentic Adventures – Find The Soul Of Dubai
Dubai is known for its beautiful skyline, mega malls and record-breaking attractions. However, behind all the fancy attractions is a unique and beautiful culture waiting to be explored. If you want to go beyond the tourist locations and experience the city the way locals do, you are in for a very rewarding adventure. From heritage districts and busy souks to seaside cafes, here is how to have an authentic experience in Dubai like a local. When To Visit Dubai And What To Know The months of November to March are the cooler months in Dubai. Daytime temperature is perfect for exploring outdoor places like markets, going for a walking tour, beach days or desert excursions. Many cultural festivals and events also happen during this period, making your stay more meaningful. Make sure to respect the festivities and local customs, like avoiding public eating and drinking during the day during Ramadan. Make sure to dress modestly in public, especially when visiting mosques or old neighbourhoods. Learn a few Arabic greetings like Marhaba, which means hello, or Shukaran, which means thank you. Base Yourself Where Locals Stay Most visitors head to beach resorts or iconic skyscrapers. However, the heart of the city lies in its dynamic urban hubs like Downtown Dubai. Staying at a central hotel like Anantara Downtown Dubai will place you in a prime location for both luxury and authenticity. From here, you are just a short walk or a ride away from charming old neighbourhoods, hidden restaurants and cultural landmarks that will make you understand the Dubai culture and help you mingle with the locals. There are many things to do in Downtown Dubai, and hotels in this area give you a perfect mix of modern comfort and local flavour to make your experience authentic. Explore Old Dubai On Foot To see the soul of the city, head to the historic neighbourhoods of Al Fahidi and Al Seef. You can walk through the narrow alleyways lined with wind towers, art galleries and museums like the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. For a moment, you may even feel like you have walked into a scene from Aladdin. Then you can take a traditional Abra, a wooden boat across the Dubai creek. A favourite mode of transport among the locals to reach Deira. Visit the Gold Souk to see some amazing gold jewellery and gold items or even to get some amazing souvenirs. The spice souk is famous for fragrant herbs, and you will see rare spices. You can visit the textile souk to get some colourful fabrics. A core concept among the locals visiting these souks will be to bargain. So don't be shy to bargain; it's all part of the fun. Make sure to explore this area by foot for an authentic, local-like experience. Eat Like A Local Dubai is famous for authentic Emirati dishes. The culinary scene extends from luxury buffets and celebrity chef restaurants to street food and home-run restaurants with excellent food. If you visit areas like Al Karama, Al Rigga and Satwa, which are just a ride away from downtown, you will find food places loved by the residents. You must try shawarma from corner stalls, Iranian kebabs from family-run restaurants, or some South Indian dosa with masala chai. You can also try Emirati dishes like Machboos, which is a spiced rice with meat, Harees and Luqaimat, which is a type of sweet dumplings mostly served in traditional settings. Experience The Outdoors Like A Local During the cooler months, you will see locals visiting beachside cafes, desert camps and green parks. Kite Beach is a favourite weekend spot for families and young adults, with food trucks, bike paths and volleyball nets right by the sea. If you want to enjoy a quiet evening, you can visit the Al Qudra Lake in the desert. You can enjoy a sunset picnic and do a bit of bird-watching. Other parks like Zabeel Park and Creek Park offer open spaces for kids, joggers and casual gatherings. Another must-try activity is the Desert Safari. Attend Local Events And Community Happenings Dubai's calendar is packed with many festivals. From heritage festivals in Al Shindagha to open mic nights, local film screenings and farmers' markets, there is always something going on. Check community platforms or hotel concierge desks to find out about pop-ups and festivals. You can also take some Emirati cooking classes, calligraphy workshops or yoga sessions at sunrise on the beach with the locals.
Listly
29-05-2025
- Listly
How to Plan a Romantic and Luxurious Getaway in the Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world and is on many traveller's bucket lists. With over a thousand individual islands, many private resorts, and an unobstructed view of the deep blue ocean and beyond, the Maldives is the perfect place for vacationing and relaxing. While families enjoy themselves in the Maldives, the people who can really take advantage of all that the Maldives has to offer are the couples. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, an anniversary celebration, or simply a romantic escape, the Maldives guarantees an unforgettable time with your loved one. While budget-friendly vacationing is a viable option in the Maldives, living in luxury is more than a possibility as well. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect romantic retreat in the Maldives. When to Visit for the Best Experience The Maldives is a tropical paradise, and so sees fair weather almost every day of the year. However, to enjoy your romantic getaway to its fullest, the best months to visit the Maldives are between November and April, as this is the country's dry season. The weather is sunnier, the seas are calmer, and the visibility into the depths is quite good. If you are looking for fewer crowds and better deals, visiting from May to October will help you. Choosing the Perfect Resort An important aspect of any trip would be to choose the perfect place to call home for the duration of the stay. This step can either make the vacation seamless and pleasant or take a turn for the worse. Always plan ahead before making the call. Choosing one of the best resorts in Maldives for couples can be a challenging task if you haven't done your research. For those couples looking for a stylish, sophisticated retreat, SO/ Maldives offers an unparalleled luxury experience. When selecting a resort, consider factors such as privacy, dining options, spa treatments, and exclusive experiences, so choose wisely! Romantic Activities to Try A romantic getaway in the Maldives isn't complete without indulging in unique and intimate experiences. Here are some must-try activities: Overwater Dining Experiences Enjoy a candlelit dinner on a private sandbank or an overwater restaurant with panoramic ocean views. Many resorts offer amazing dining experiences where chefs curate special menus tailored to your preferences. Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Watching Sail across the Maldivian waters on a private yacht, watching the sunset over the horizon. Some cruises also include champagne and canapés for an added touch of luxury. Dolphin watching is another mesmerising experience that you and your partner will cherish forever. Underwater Adventures: Snorkelling and Diving The Maldives is known for its rich marine biodiversity. For couples who love adventure, snorkelling or diving in coral reefs filled with colourful and diverse marine life is a must. Some luxury resorts provide exclusive snorkelling excursions to some of the best sites. Make sure to inquire about such offers at the concierge. Planning a Surprise for Your Partner Surprise your loved one with a unique experience. This could be the grand gesture of love that takes your relationship to the next level. A private island picnic – Spend the day on a secluded island with a gourmet meal prepared just for you. Nothing says romance like being on a deserted island with the one you love. Proposal or vow renewal—The Maldives is the ideal place for a romantic proposal or an intimate wedding vow renewal ceremony. Some resorts help organise the event. Customised romantic touches – Many resorts offer personalised experiences like flower-filled baths, breakfast in bed, and surprise gifts. Packing Essentials for a Romantic Escape When packing for your Maldivian getaway, consider bringing these items to enhance your stay in this romantic paradise. Light, breathable clothing for the tropical climate. Swimwear and cover-ups for beachside relaxation. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun. A waterproof camera to capture unforgettable moments. Elegant evening wear for fine dining experiences.
Listly
28-05-2025
- Listly
Top Five Unmissable Experiences in the Maldives: Captivating Adventures You'll Never Forget
It's like stepping into a whole other world,' say those who are blessed enough to experience the Maldivian underwater world. The water is so clear it feels as though you're swimming in a giant aquarium. Reefs, tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles all contribute to a wonderful experience. One of the best things about snorkelling here is that the sites are easily accessible, and resorts assist with this. There are plenty of shallow areas perfect for beginners, while experienced divers can explore deeper reefs and even shipwrecks such as the Victory Wreck, a cargo ship that sank in 1981. Divers and snorkellers are truly in for an unforgettable experience, which is made even better by the resorts. In the category of the best dive resorts in Maldives, you'll find names like OBLU SELECT Lobigili.
