Culture & Traditions

The Maldives is a country with a rich and diverse culture. The local language, Dhivehi, combines Sinhala, Tamil, and Arabic. The traditional dance, Bodu Beru, is a lively and energetic performance often accompanied by drumming. Dhonis, handcrafted boats, are a common sight in the Maldives and are used for transportation and fishing. 

Originally from Sri Lanka and India, Maldivians got a cultural remix with immigration from Southeast Asia, Arabia, and Africa. Maldivians have absorbed elements of all these cultures to create a unique identity. Even today, Dravidian (a South Asian ethnolinguistic group) influences can be seen in many aspects of Maldivian life.

What is the visiting etiquette in the Maldives?

The Maldives is a Muslim country with strict Islamic customs, holidays and cultural norms. Observances such as Ramadan may impact the hours of restaurants and the availability of food, alcohol and other services, even inside resorts. Don’t expect to be served pork or alcohol during prayer times. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and dress should be modest outside of resorts, with long pants and skirts preferred for men and women respectively. 

Elders are shown great respect in the Maldives and crossing your legs in front of them is considered rude. Outward displays of aggression are a sign of poor character. Don’t get flustered or lose your temper. Always try to use your right hand when passing an object or eating. Never step over someone, or point your feet at other people, food, or sacred books. Foreigners are rarely allowed to visit mosques or local homes in the Maldives, but be sure to remove your shoes if you do. Never walk in front of someone while they’re praying and don’t touch the Qur’an.

What is the Maldives best known for?

The Maldives have become the by-word for island paradise in the Indian Ocean. Resorts in the Maldives are famous for their over-water bungalows, innovative dining experiences such as underwater restaurants, and an overall dedication to luxury and good service.

The Maldives are also a haven for many species of marine life. As such, the country has long been a diver’s ‘must-see’ destination. Swimming alongside majestic whale sharks and manta rays, and gliding over the reefs of the Maldives are all experiences you won’t soon forget.

What are some Maldivian traditions?

The Maldives’ festival calendar mostly follows the Islamic calendar, with the biggest celebration being Eid at the end of Ramadan. The prophet’s birthday is another major celebration, along with a national day, and Republic Day on November 11, the day the Republic of the Maldives was formed. 

Other Maldivian traditions find their roots in South Asia and other regions that have fed into Maldivian culture over the years. Bollywood movies and music are very popular. The Maldives also has a strong tradition of arts and crafts, including lacquer work, wood carving, weaving, and jewelry-making. These items make wonderful souvenirs if you want to support local craftspeople. 

What are Maldivians like socially?

Maldivian society revolves around family, and single adults tend to live in the family home until they’re married, regardless of gender. Until the 1920s, Maldivian society adhered to a caste system, and Malé was the island of the wealthy and elite, while poorer communities tended to live on the outer islands. This is no longer necessarily the case, though the relative isolation between islands in the Maldives has eased historic tensions between communities. You can still expect each island to be its own tight-knit community however, overseen by the atolu verin or chief, and the gazi, a religious leader.

Women enjoy largely equal status in the Maldives. Roughly half marry by the age of fifteen, and divorce is very easy under Maldivian law. It’s not unusual to meet people in their thirties who have been married three or four times. Women are not required to veil, but still have special sections allocated to them in public places like mosques and stadiums. As per Muslim law, men are permitted up to four wives, but in practice, most Maldivian men have only one—at a time, at least. Maldivians tend to be a little more introverted than their South Asian neighbours, but will happily chat if they feel at ease and have the opportunity.

What language do Maldivians speak?

Dhiverhi is the official language of the Maldives, though many Maldivians also speak English. At the resorts, you’ll also find some fluent in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and other languages commonly spoken by visitors.