Culture

The Maldivian culture is rich with flavors from most of the seafarers who landed on it. Traditional dances and music may not be an everyday event but there are occasions where traditional music and dances are performed. Though traditional dresses are not used by present day generation there are many types of traditional dresses made for both men and women.

With a renowned history that evolved from the early settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in olden times, Maldives has been a meeting point of different cultures. For example some of the local music and dance has African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. Besides this, there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However, many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance 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 men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the sea and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around.