A large-scale drone show at 21:00 followed by New Year fireworks at 00:00 will headline tonight’s programme at the Maldives Culture and Food Festival 2025 at Hulhumalé Central Park, as the national celebration continues for its second day under the leadership of Visit Maldives Corporation.
The festival, which opened yesterday with strong public turnout, continues today with a full lineup of cultural performances, culinary showcases, and family-friendly activities, before concluding tomorrow on its final day. Organisers say tonight’s events are expected to draw large crowds, combining visual spectacle with live entertainment and community celebration .
The three-day festival is organised by Visit Maldives Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Housing Development Corporation, with Bank of Maldives serving as the main sponsor. The partnership reflects coordinated national efforts to promote culture while reinforcing tourism’s central role in the economy.
Beyond tonight’s drone display and fireworks, the festival programme features children’s zones with bouncy castles, climbing walls, foam parties, and gaming arcades. Culinary stalls showcase traditional Maldivian cuisine alongside fusion dishes prepared by local vendors, while cultural heritage remains in focus through daytime Boduberu performances and evening live bands.
Interactive entertainment zones, including vehicle displays and watersports activities, continue to operate across Hulhumalé Central Park, transforming the venue into a vibrant public space for families, residents, and visitors.
The festival carries added national significance as it coincides with one of the strongest years in Maldivian tourism history. In 2025, the Maldives crossed the two-million tourist arrival milestone earlier than ever before, recorded its highest tourism performance to date with travel receipts projected to exceed USD 5.8 billion, and secured the World’s Leading Destination title for the sixth consecutive year. The Maldives remains the only country globally to achieve this distinction, highlighting the sustained international promotion led by Visit Maldives Corporation.
Visit Maldives Corporation said the festival provides a platform to recognise the contributions of tourism workers, local communities, and industry partners, while bringing the year to a close with a shared celebration of national pride.
The Maldives Culture and Food Festival 2025 continues tonight and tomorrow at Hulhumalé Central Park, with tomorrow marking the final day of the three-day celebration.
