A Nighttime Escape

As the sun sets and the bustling daytime activity fades, Malé transforms into a different world. The air cools, and the city’s vibrant lights create an inviting atmosphere. For many local couples, this time serves as an escape from the daily grind. Riding motorcycles together at night not only offers a sense of freedom but also an opportunity for intimacy and connection.

The sound of engines revving fills the air as couples, often clad in casual attire and helmets, set out to explore the city’s quieter streets. With the ocean breeze in their hair and the glow of streetlights illuminating their path, these midnight rides become a cherished ritual, allowing couples to bond and create memories away from the watchful eyes of their families.

A Symbol of Independence

In the Maldives, where traditional values hold significant sway, these late-night escapades represent a shift toward modernity and independence. For many young locals, riding motorcycles symbolizes personal freedom and a break from societal expectations. It’s an assertion of identity in a culture where family and community play pivotal roles.

Motorbikes, easily maneuverable in the bustling streets, allow couples to navigate through the narrow lanes of Malé with ease. Whether it’s a leisurely ride along the coast or a spontaneous adventure to the city’s vibrant night markets, the motorcycle becomes a vehicle for both exploration and expression.

The Bonding Experience

These rides also serve as a bonding experience. Couples share laughter, conversations, and moments of silence as they navigate the city together. The intimacy of riding side by side creates a unique sense of camaraderie, reinforcing their connection in a way that few other activities can.

For many, the midnight motorcycle ride is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a way to strengthen relationships, discuss dreams, and escape the pressures of everyday life. The serene backdrop of the Maldivian night, punctuated by the sounds of the sea and the gentle hum of the motorcycle, adds to the romance of the experience.

Cultural Significance

While the midnight motorcycle rides may seem like a simple pastime, they reflect broader cultural shifts within Maldivian society. As globalization influences traditional customs, young couples are carving out their own identities while honoring their heritage. This blend of old and new creates a dynamic cultural landscape where traditions coexist with modern lifestyles.

Additionally, the presence of motorcycles in Malé’s urban environment is indicative of a practical approach to transportation. In a densely populated city with limited space, motorcycles offer a solution that resonates with both locals and tourists alike.

The sight of Maldivian couples cruising the streets of Malé on motorcycles at midnight is a vivid reminder of the complexities and joys of modern life in this island nation. It encapsulates a spirit of adventure, independence, and love—elements that are central to the Maldivian identity. As the world continues to evolve, these midnight rides will likely remain a cherished part of local culture, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modernity in the Maldives.

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Interlocking coral blocks with elaborate coral carvings are used to construct the mosque. The roof is supported by columns made of cut coral, and professional carpenters created the domed, ornate ceiling. Masterworks of traditional Maldivian lacquer and woodcarving may be found throughout the interior.

There is a 17th-century graveyard with elaborately carved tombs and tombstones in the space next to the mosque. The graves of women are identified by tombstones with rounded tops, whereas those of men are identified by tombstones with pointed tops. The tombstones’ gilded inscriptions suggest that this is a royal grave.

Hukuru Miskiiy’s distinctive architecture, unmatched historic legacy, and tongue-in-groove stone structure, which exhibits a highly developed building method at the time of its construction, led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. “The mosque and its other structures’ architecture, construction, and accompanying artistry represent the creative excellence and achievement of the Maldivian people,” states the UNESCO assessment.

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The majority of the traditional Maldivian clothing that we have detailed here was worn by both men and women, however it has since evolved with the times. Women and men don’t typically dress in these traditional attires unless it’s for an extremely special event or a dance performance that highlights the Maldives’ natural beauty and customs.

Women’s Attire That Persisted in Trend
Hedhun Buri :

Even though this ensemble is rarely seen on a casual basis these days, young girls nevertheless love to wear it for special performances. These unique dresses, which are no longer frequently found in stores, can be custom-made at nearby seamstress shops if you provide your dimensions.

The most informal clothing was Hedhun Buri, which was typically worn by young women and girls. Although this is a daytime ensemble, it was frequently worn to joyful days for boduberu or  bandiyaa  dance performances. Plain or floral fabrics are used to make the shirts, which have pleated skirts that fall above the knee and short sleeves (adults who wear buruga have longer sleeves below). This top is worn with a black “feyli,” or skirt, that has white accents on the sides or hemline. Ladies wearing this garment either wear their hair loose or in a tight braid, or they wear matching buruga.

Dhivehi Libaas :

Around the nation, there are regional seamstresses and tailors who specialize in making these exquisite gowns. While Dhivehi Libaas may be bought at most Maldivian souvenir shops, the greatest ones are still fashioned to order by seamstresses who have been trained in dressmaking for generations.
Bright colors like red, green, and blue are typical for Dhivehi Libaas; the most formal option is a bright blood red dress. There are two varieties of this Dhivehi Libaas: the more informal one has simple garments with a different color or design embroidered near the collar and long sleeve hem instead of the silver or gold embroidery.

Wearing a feyli skirt with similarly fine accents, the formal Dhivehi Libaas with its complex embroidery method is reserved for exceptionally special occasions, such as brides’ wedding days. Accessory pieces for the ensemble include thick gold bracelets, a long gold chain necklace known as a “fahtaru,” and a tiny hair bun covered in an exquisite sideways chignon called a “rumaa falhi.”
For their wedding, modern brides choose to wear a white version of these dhivehi libaas, although the red version is still the most striking Maldivian attire.

Dhiguhedhun (Faaskurihedhun) :
Even now, the Maldives still have a custom of wearing dhiguhedhun on certain occasions. Bridal gowns made of white Dhiguhedhun are becoming increasingly popular for marriage ceremonies. The wedding dhiguhedhun is frequently adorned with rhinestones and faux pearls and composed of white fabric.
The Maldives’ current national attire is called Dhiguhedhun, or Faaskurihedhun. The Dhiguhedhun, which is made to highlight the contours of the wearer of the gown, is best described as charming and feminine. The term “long dress,” dhiguhedhun, refers to a floor-length frock with long sleeves and a puritan collar. A little lace veil known as a “bolifothikolhu” is used as an accessory to go with the dress. It is attached to the back of the hair and extends the length of the loose, flowing hair.
Dhiguhedhun was originally constructed of plain lace-like material, occasionally embellished with tiny beads and other little objects, but the outfit has changed with time. These days, the materials utilized to produce these dresses have lovely designs and resemble chiffon.

Men’s attire from the Maldives’ past
Wear Mundu and simple tees every day :
Among the few outfits, the most informal is the traditional “Mundu” sarong, which is typically paired with plain-colored t-shirts. Nearly every man wore these on a daily basis. The males of the Maldives used to labor under the sun, fishing and farming, wearing only sarongs and little else due to the country’s intensely hot and humid climate.

Sarongs and long sleeve shirts are appropriate attire :
In the past, males in the Maldives would dress more formally, wearing long sleeved white shirts with “mundu” (chequered or simple-lined sarongs) or “feyli” (typically dark red or black sarongs with white stripes on the hem). Typically, men were observed wearing this clothing during ceremonies and special events. The outfit was accessorized with a headpiece that resembled a cap and was made of a tiny article of clothing. Men occasionally go topless with their headgear and only wear sarongs.

Maldivian men in their elaborate headwear
Though our knowledge of the attire worn by Maldivian males in the past is restricted, the evolution of headwear across time provides us with a wealth of historical clues about the Maldives.
Men would frequently keep a variety of hats and caps in their wardrobe to fit various duties and responsibilities during the day. When working in the fields, they would frequently wear a smaller, Maldivianized version of a Persian kaffiyeh to shield oneself from the sun or to look particularly stylish at an occasion. Fisherpeople wore their own take on the straw hat, typically made by hand from dried coconut palm fronds and oddly evoking a Japanese Roningasa from the edo period. Not only that, though. The men of the Maldives wore a different type of headgear for prayer, called Thaakihaa, which is a somewhat bigger, round, rimless, and colorful Kufi that is similar to the headdress worn by the ancient African diaspora.
These are just a handful of the historical outfits worn by Maldivian men and women. Don’t you think they are clothes fit for the catwalk? Models have really been seen wearing updated replicas of the historical clothing on a few domestic and international catwalks. The majority of these are still utilized for cultural, traditional, and celebratory events, and they are frequently offered for sale in gift stores to visitors as takeaways. However, Maldivians’ attire has generally changed throughout time, with quick fashion becoming the standard for everybody. However, many people would proudly wear the traditional garb on special occasions, adding a few own touches here and there.

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There is the story of Bodu Thakurufaanu, renowned for its length, who saved the Maldives from Portuguese Invaders. These stories, while very
much anecdotal, are based on the real facts that form the country’s history. Written accounts portray a Maldives whose people have traveled far and wide, adventurers whose geographical isolation had not limited the boundaries of their world. Maldives today remains very much like it had then—small but not lacking;
isolated but not invisible.

1st Century AD – The Roman manual of Navigation, the Periplus Maris Erythraei mentions islands that are assumed to be the Maldives

2nd Century AD – Ptolemy refers to the Maldives in his geography 362 AD Roman historian records a visit of a Maldivian delegation to Rome, bearing gifts to the emperor Julian 662 AD A historical Chinese document records that the King of the Maldives sent gifts to the Chinese Emperor Kao-Tsung of Tang Dynasty

1153 – Maldives converts to Islam
1558 – The Portuguese invade the Maldives
1573 – Mohamed Thakurufaanu liberates the Maldives from the Portuguese
1752 – The Malabars invade the Maldives for three months
1887 – Protectorate signed with Great Britain
1932 – The first Constitution of the Republic of Maldives enacted
1953 – The first Republic with Mohamed Ameen as President
1954 – End of the first Republic as Ameen is ousted; the Maldives reverts to Sultanate with Mohamed Fareed as ruler
1965 – Independence from the British
1968 – End of the Sultanate; second Republic begins with Ibrahim
Nasir as President
1972 – The first island resort is developed; tourists begin arriving to
the Maldives

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You may have noticed that Maldivians are hospitable and peaceful towards visitors. Their culture and religion greatly influence this attitude. In Islam, visitors are highly valued and given the utmost protection and security. Maldivians treat their guests with the same level of care and affection as they would their own family members.

If you want to experience the culture and traditions of Maldives, why not book a day tour or a multi-day tour with Secret Paradise Maldives? Are you ready to book your holiday to Maldives?

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It is believed that the most important factor that contributed to the first ever settlement of people in the Maldives is its geographical location. Large ruins and other archaeological remains found in the islands including those bordering the equatorial channel and the One and a Half Degree channel bear testimony to the fact that people of antiquity had indeed stumbled upon the country during their travels. It is believed that permanent settlements were established in around 500 BC by Aryan immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. Many customs, traditional practices and superstitious beliefs that still prevail in the country also attest to the influence of the early Dravidian culture of the Maldives.

Although it is most probable that early Maldivians were Buddhist or Hindus migrating from the Indian subcontinent, the archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl, who carried out extensive archaeological research in the Maldives and has contributed significantly to theories of the origins of the country, stated that some of the figures unearthed from the ancient mounds bore a striking resemblance to the figures he had investigated on Easter island in the Pacific Ocean. Many of these theories, however, are still a matter of controversy and the Maldives still holds many more secrets about its past which are yet to be unearthed.

The accounts of travellers who had stopped over for supplies and due to shipwrecks (as the Maldives is located along the ancient marine trade routes from the West to the East) also serve as useful guides to the history of these small islands. Cowrie shells were used as one of the oldest forms of currency amongst traders who traversed the region, and the Maldives offered one of the most plentiful supplies of these shells.

Among the travellers were the Chinese historian Ma Huan and the famous Arab travelerIbnBatuta. It is also understood that the Maldivians themselves ventured far beyond their own shores; Pliny, for example states that Maldivian emissaries bore gift to the Roman Emperor.

The Maldives was briefly part of the Portuguese Empire, for 15 years from 1558 onwards, before being overthrown in an uprising.

The country was never part of the British Empire but from 1887 to 1965 it was classed as a Protectorate of Great Britain before becoming a republic.

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Historically, the Maldives was an important crossroad in the Indian Ocean, hence Maldivian culture is a melting pot of various influences gathered from visitors who set foot there over the centuries. Influences of India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Africa are evident in the unique culture of the Maldives. Maldivians have assimilated these influences over the years and created their own cultural identity like no other.

A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers in the Maldives, who were seafarers from various parts of the world, traversing the oceans in ancient times. Since people from different parts of the world settled in the Maldives over the centuries, you can still spot some of the traditions they brought with them in Maldivian culture. Some of the traditional drumming and dancing (known as ‘boduberu’) shows African influences, with rhythmic beating of drums and some songs in a language resembling that of East African countries.

As one would expect, there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and particularly in the traditional food of the Maldives. This includes spicy curries using coconut milk and fish as the main staples and ‘roshi’ (a thin flatbread) as a popular accompaniment. Those who aren’t fans of curries will also find a range of world cuisine available including pasta, burgers, noodles and other home comforts. The resorts boast a wide variety of international cuisine, much of which is serious competition for the world’s top restaurants. Fresh ingredients are flown in daily or grown on the islands. 

However, some of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women such as the Sub Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view are not tenets of life here. In fact, women play a major role in society – not surprising considering the fact many Maldivian men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the country’s traditions are strongly related to the sea and the fact that life is dependent on the sea around us.

Traditional handicrafts include matt-weaving and beautiful lacquer-work, usually painted in black, red and yellow. Although these traditions are less commonplace today, there are still some talented craftsmen and women who make these (matts are weaved exclusively by women). They can be found in souvenir shops at resorts and in Male’ and make a wonderful souvenir of your holiday in the Maldives.

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These dresses are widely worn during ceremonial occasions and dance performances. Dhivehi libaas is a little difficult to purchase as you have to get it tailored, but you can find it at some traditional dress shops and souvenir shops of Maldives.

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