Government cancels Independence Day parade amid cost-cutting measures

From Independence Day parade in 2018 | Photo: Addulive

Malé, Maldives – The Government of Maldives on Sunday cancelled the Independence Day celebratory events as a cost-cutting measure.

While massive celebrations were announced earlier for this years Independence Day including the parade with floats at the capital city Malé per tradition, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked this decision and cancelled all celebrations.

The only event held to celebrate Independence Day 2022 will be a flag hoisting event held at 06:00 on July 26 in Malé. This will be paralleled by flag hoisting events at police stations in the atolls.

The President’s Office earlier declared

Thursday, 28 July 2022 will be a government holiday. As a result, the Independence Day celebration will be extended from 26 to 30 July 2022.

The administration decided not to proclaim government holidays on July 24 and 25, 2022.

The Maldives celebrates independence on July 26 every year since gaining independence from the British on 26 July 1965 after 77 years as a British protectorate.