Joanna James
Steeped in rich culture and tradition, the Maldives is heavily influenced by its surrounding neighbours notably Sri Lanka, India, Africa, and Indonesia. Read on to find out some interesting facts about the island nation's culture.
The main religion followed in the Maldives is Islam, which is evident from the numerous beautiful mosques located in Male, the main island of Maldives. Do note that the consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited in the Maldives. However resorts have a special license to serve alcohol, so one will be able to sip on some snazzy cocktails by the beachside and treat yourself to a holiday in a tropical paradise.
Given that the predominant faith in the Maldives is Islam, the locals as a rule dress conservatively. Men dress in sarongs and cotton shirts, while ladies dress in the traditional Libba – a long dress usually featuring intricate silver and golden threadwork. If you are planning on swimming at any of the beaches in Male, keep in mind that dressing in revealing bathing suits are heavily frowned upon unless it's a designated bikini beach. However, this rule does not apply at resort islands, where guests are free to soak in the tropical sunshine and swim in whatever bathing attire they wish.
After tourism, the fishing industry is what drives the economy of this island nation. So you can expect to dine on lots of lobster, fresh tuna, and snapper, along with a whole host of international cuisines on offer at the best luxury Maldives resorts including those such as Grand Park Kodhipparu. Many resorts offer travellers all-inclusive holiday packages, where one will get the opportunity to indulge in a wide range of cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! When it comes to traditional Maldivian cuisine, it is spicy and hot and features a lot of soups, curries, and dishes served with rice. Favorite local dishes to try out include Garudhiya, Mas Huni, and Fihunu Mas -which is grilled fish marinated and basted with chili. Some fresh food items to enjoy during your time here include pineapples, mangoes, yams, and coconuts, which are grown locally and are super delicious.
The locals are expert craftsmen, and are incredibly skilled at lacquer work and wood carving, featuring intricate designs. The women in the Maldives are also talented in weaving beautiful mats made from dyed reeds.
Music and dancing form a significant part of the Maldivian culture and features heavy influence by the country's close neighbors. One of the more well-known and popular local performances is called Bodu Beru. The dance is performed among large groups of up to 15 to 20 men and includes a range of singers, dancers, and drummers. Usually, many resorts and hotels organise regular cultural performances to entertain the guests, so be sure to check with your concierge if such a performance can be factored into, so your itinerary.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
