Maldives: Qaumee Dhuvas
Friday, August 14, 2026
Protectorate. The Maldives becomes a British Protectorate, retaining internal self-government but relinquishing control of foreign affairs and defense to the British
History
British Protectorate. The Maldives becomes a British Protectorate, retaining internal self-government but relinquishing control of foreign affairs and defense to the British
How It's Celebrated
Maldives: Qaumee Dhuvas is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
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Mauritania became an independent nation by on 28 November 1960 by declaration of its “Constituent Assembly”. Independence Day is celebrated on this date each year to remember this important historic event. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday 28 November. The holiday will be on Sunday 28 November in 2027. Although Berbers and other tribes had lived in the region for as long as anyone can remember, there was no “Mauritania” as such before the arrival of the French colonialists. They essentially created a new colony that incorporated the lands of numerous local tribes in the region into one “new country”. France colonised what is now Mauritania to block the expansion of Spanish Morocco and to create a “land bridge” between French Algeria and French West Africa. Their conquest of the area began at Adar and moved inland. After the French established a new constitution in 1958, they had hoped that Mauritania might remain within the “French Community” even if they opted for independence. But instead, the country fully left being under French influence by 1960. After independence, Morocco tried to oppose them or dominate them, but Mauritania successfully resisted.
Independence Day Holiday
Every July 26th, Maldives celebrates its complete independence. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Sunday 26 July. The holiday will be on Monday 26 July in 2027. This celebration highlights parades held by the National Security Services as well as the National Cadet Corps and other performances by colourfully dressed school children. Southwest of Sri Lanka and just north of the Equator is the country of Maldives, a conglomerate of islands under the same flag. Maldives, like many countries around the world, used to be held under the power of the British Empire. It wasn’t until 1887 that Maldives managed to become a British Protectorate. All this status did for Maldives was keep the British from interfering with their internal affairs. However, should Maldives want to do anything foreign, the British had to be consulted before action could be taken. In return for Maldives’s cooperation, the British promised to protect the country. Finally, on July 26th, 1965, Maldives was able to gain full independence. Independence for Maldives was significant because it enabled the country to seize control over its own economy and develop itself as it pleased. When the Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir signed the agreement for independence with the British, the population in Maldives was merely 97,743. Both Sri Lanka and India, nearby countries under the same colonial power, had managed to gain independence from Britain at the conclusion of the World War. Maldives was particularly moved to seek this independence after three southern atolls were claimed as part of a brief Suvadive Republic between 1959 and 1963. Within two months of being granted this independence, Maldives gained membership at the United Nations (September 21, 1965). The country’s flag was then raised at the headquarters on the 12th of October 12, 1965. If you were to visit Maldives in July, you would be promised a show on the 26th. Every year, the country celebrates its Independence Day with a series of festivities held in on the island of Male’. The entire country is very much connected through a series of ferries, and most events you can expect to encounter on Independence Day will be held at Republic Square in the heart of the Male’ Island. Here are a few things that are promised each year during these festivities at the Square: Although the country is not very large or populated, and although the island Male’ is even smaller, these festivities are a regular show come Independence Day in Maldives. You can bank on seeing a number of performances by the local youth as well as the parades led by a variety of groups. One of the favorite instruments of the Maldivians is a bulbul, an instrument that is similar to an accordion but which is held horizontally. There is also the Bodu Beru, or “Big Drum”, which has possible African roots. This is an interesting bit of culture as most of the Maldivian language and lifestyle seems to be derived from a North Indian origin. Exposure to this festive side of the culture in Maldives on Independence Day is a rapid way to learn what it’s like to be Maldivian. If you plan to be traveling in this corner of the world during the summer, stopping in Maldives to see the Independence Day festivals and parades at Republic Square will surely be a good use of your time!
Labour Day
Labour Day is a major public holiday in Macau, as well as mainland China. The holiday is also called May Day or Workers Day. In 2027, Labour Day falls on Saturday 1 May. The holiday will be on Monday 1 May in 2028. Labour Day on 1 May is an off-work day for those in Macau and mainland China, and it’s a huge tourist day in Macau. As many as 500,000 or more visitors flood into Macau every Labour Day, especially for the years when the holiday creates a long weekend. The gambling industry is the main cause of the tourist surge, as Macau is a gaming centre in the region. The casinos are packed, hotels are sold out, and the streets are crowded with tourists. In addition to being a day of recreation, Labour Day traditionally seeks to draw attention to the contributions and rights of workers to the economy.
National Day
National Day, formerly called “Swedish Flag Day”, is a patriotic holiday in Sweden that is celebrated annually on 6 June with a public holiday. In 2026, National Day falls on Saturday 6 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. One reason the date of 6 June was chosen because it is the day in 1523 when Sweden became independent of the Union of Kalmar, which had formerly united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It was a genuine new start for Sweden, and it was the occasion of their electing Gustav Vasa as their king and adopting their own flag. The second reason for choosing 6 June is that, in 1809, Sweden adopted a new constitution on that date. The tradition of celebrating 6 June as Flag Day began in the 1890s, when Artur Hazelius held such celebrations at his Stockholm-based open-air museum named “Skansen.” In 1916, the tradition gained yet more steam when it was honoured at the Stockholm Olympics. In 1983, the name was changed to “National Day” by the Swedish parliament, and in 2004, it was finally voted an official public holiday. The main celebration of National Day is still at Skansen. The king and queen arrive for the ceremonial raising of the Swedish flag, a yellow cross against a blue field, to the top of the flag pole. Kids dress up in traditional clothing then bring the king and queen bouquets of beautiful, Swedish flowers.