The Maldives Culture & Food Festival 2025 is set to open this evening at Hulhumalé Central Park, beginning a three-day public event featuring cultural activities, food stalls and live performances. The festival runs from 30 December to 1 January.

The event is organised by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with Bank of Maldives (BML) as the main sponsor. According to event organisers, the festival aims to provide a space for residents, families and visitors to mark the end of the year and participate in community activities.

This year’s edition takes place following what authorities have described as a significant year for the tourism sector, with over two million visitors recorded before the end of 2025 and tourism receipts projected to exceed USD 5.8 billion. Maldives was also named the World’s Leading Destination for the sixth consecutive year, according to event organisers, who said the festival will acknowledge contributions from workers and communities linked to the industry.

The programme includes family-oriented zones, food vendors, cultural performances and evening music shows. Daytime activities are expected to feature children’s areas, gaming zones and food displays, while music groups and bands will perform in the evenings. Festival organisers also said a drone show and a New Year’s Eve fireworks display are scheduled for 31 December, leading into the countdown to 2026.

Interactive activity areas, water-based attractions and vehicle displays will be present throughout the park. Cultural showcases, including Boduberu performances, will take place during the day, with contemporary acts scheduled later in the evenings.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed said the festival is being held to celebrate many achievements. He stated that the event aims to create a friendly environment with activities for families and visitors, highlighting that the programme includes cultural showcases and culinary experiences.