In Pictures: Maldives celebrates 54th Independence Day
The festivities included mass games, a route march and a float parade.
28 Jul 2019, 9:00 AM
Celebratory activities organised by the government to mark the 54th anniversary of gaining independence from the British took place in the capital over the weekend.
Mass games at the national stadium on Friday night was followed by a route march and float parade the next day. The streets of Malé were packed on Saturday afternoon as a vehicle ban was imposed from 4pm to 6pm.
Ahead of his Independence Day address to the nation, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed hosted a reception on Thursday night for state and foreign dignitaries.
The main event at the Galolhu stadium featured a parade by the army and schools as well as a drill accompanied by a laser show. School children performed scenes depicting the struggle against Portuguese and Malabar rule, and the 1988 coup attempt led by Tamil mercenaries.
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