The story
Maldives Independence Day Celebrations in Male
Maldives Independence Day, locally called Minivan Dhuvas, commemorates the country's full independence from Britain, formally agreed on 26 July 1965 after seventy eight years as a British protectorate. Observed as a two-day public holiday on 26 and 27 July, celebrations in Male typically include a presidential address, flag ceremonies, and military and police parades through the capital.
Maldives Independence Day, known locally as Minivan Dhuvas, marks the end of seventy eight years during which Britain held responsibility for the Maldives' defense and external affairs under a protectorate arrangement that began in 1887, when Sultan Muhammad Mueenuddeen II formally accepted British protection.