Unveiling the Maldives Beyond the Beaches: Exploring Local Culture and Flavours – Get Ready for a Cultural Exploration
+The queen of all tropical destinations, the Maldives offers you a slice of paradise you’ll never want to leave. Home to pristine beaches, the Maldives also offers a rich culture and delicious food.
The Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, a short distance from India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a collection of over 1,000 coral islands. The turquoise ocean and its bounty are the main reasons why it’s so popular with travellers. However, there’s more beneath all that tropical splendour: a rich culture and cuisine borne of that culture. The country is Islamic, and you’ll notice that the culture is quite conservative. However, tourists are given the freedom to enjoy the islands to their heart’s content. Most travellers visit the Maldives with the hope of exploring its beaches and the ocean. While this is the main appeal, for a complete experience, you must venture beyond the beaches.
Maldivian Culture
The culture of the Maldives is shaped by various influences, moulded by its history and geographical location. The Maldives sits along ancient trade routes and has absorbed cultural elements from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This unique blend has created a distinct cultural identity evident in the local way of life, language, music, and art.
Dhivehi is the official language, a testament to the country’s diverse history. The language has traces of Sanskrit, Arabic, and Southeast Asian languages.
Traditional dance and music are important parts of Maldivian culture. Bodu Beru, for instance, is a traditional dance ritual where the use of big drums takes centre stage. It’s an energetic performance often seen during festivals and special occasions. Couples who choose to get married in the Maldives, for instance, often incorporate Bodu Beru into their celebrations.
Cuisine
The Maldivian cuisine is a rich blend of regional influences. The dishes are simple yet absolutely delicious. The local cuisine is known for its simplicity and the use of local ingredients. Fish and coconut are the two main components of Maldivian cuisine. While local cuisine is one of the most delightful aspects of Maldivian culture, resorts such as Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort feature a variety with an array of international cuisines. A perk of staying at a 5-star hotel in Maldives is that you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. With that in mind, what are the must-try local dishes? Here are some of them:
- Mas Huni: This is a traditional breakfast item made with coconut and tuna.
- Garudhiya: A delicious fish soup made with coconut and a medley of spices.
- Rihaakuru: A fish curry with a thick sauce. The thickness of the sauce is the result of cooking the fish for a long time.
- Bis Keemiya: A popular street food, Bis Keemiya is like samosa.
- Saagu Bondibai: A sago pudding made with coconut milk, condensed milk, cardamom, and rose water.
Traditions and Customs
The Maldives is a country steeped in traditions and customs that have been part of its cultural identity for generations. These practices are rooted in the islanders’ way of life and offer a glimpse into their heritage:
- Festivals: As an Islamic country, the Maldives celebrates Ramadan and Eid with great enthusiasm. All islanders join together to celebrate this religious event. During the month of Ramadan, locals fast throughout the day. While this has no impact on you and resort islands, avoid eating and drinking in public where locals can see you. Another celebration locals look forward to is the Maldivian Independence Day on July 26th. This is an important national festival celebrated with parades, music, and games.
- Attire: The Maldivian attire is modest. Both men and women cover their upper arms and legs. The traditional attire for women is a garment called libaas. As for the men’s traditional attire, it’s a sarong paired with a long-sleeved shirt.
Arts and Crafts
The Maldives’ traditional arts and crafts scene is another interesting feature of its culture.
Locals love their lacquer work. They decorate wooden items with vibrant layers of lacquer. Boxes, bowls, and vases are decorated with red, black, and yellow patterns. These items make for great souvenirs and are also functional.
Mats are another fascinating craft. These woven mats are created from dried coconut palm leaves and feature various geometric patterns. Locals like to use them as prayer mats, floor coverings, and décor.
Traditional boats, called dhonis, are another Maldivian craft. Made from the wood of the coconut tree, dhonis are used for fishing and transportation. You’ll also find various jewellery items crafted from locally sourced materials such as coconut shells, coral, and mother-of-pearl.
Local Markets
Another colourful aspect of the Maldivian culture is local markets. Exploring these markets is a fantastic way to meet locals and discover the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives.
- Male Local Market: Located in the capital city, Male Local Market is one of the most popular markets for shopping. You can find an array of items here, including food, fabrics, and souvenirs.
- Hulhumale’ Local Market: Another local market worth exploring, Hulhumale’ Local Market is a daily hub for fresh produce, fish, and handcrafted goods.
- Dhathuruveringe Market: This is a popular farmer’s market selling local fruits and vegetables. Here, you can find exotic produce such as dragon fruit, papaya, taro, rambutan, purple mangosteen, custard apple, mango, and coconut.
