Lifestyle
Through Foo’s eyes: Oaga Art Resort’s festive season celebrates soul of Maldives
This 2025-2026 festive season, Oaga Art Resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through the eyes of Foo, the island’s timeless and playful curator and storyteller. With every performance, every craft, and every meal, Foo brings the spirit of the islands to life, creating a celebration rooted in homegrown creativity, culture, and tradition.
A Celebration of Local Talent
Central to this year’s festivities is a line up of 100% Maldivian artists. From soulful solo performers and dynamic duos to vibrant bands and rhythm driven DJs, the resort’s programme showcases local creativity across multiple genres. This season, Maldivian artistry takes centre stage, allowing guests to connect with the islands’ authentic rhythm and spirit at every turn.
Flavours of the Maldives
Culinary storytelling forms the heart of the festive experience. Guests can savour local flavours and voyage around the Maldives through Mama’s Food Cart, a rotating palm leaf cart based at Kaa Kada, the main restaurant at Oaga Art Resort. Each week, a local woman from a different island shares her signature dish, bringing the unique tastes and traditions of her home to the table and offering a delicious journey across the atolls.
Hands On Cultural Experiences
In collaboration with Kiyavahi, a cultural studio dedicated to authentic Maldivian experiences, guests can engage directly with the living crafts of the islands. Workshops, open air installations, and interactive storytelling spaces bring traditional artistry to life, including kasabu gethun (embroidery), thundu kunaa (mat weaving), roanu veshun (coir rope making), fangi viyun (thatch weaving), and liyelaa jehun (lacquer work).
Beyond craft, the festive season comes alive with the rhythm of traditional Boduberu, presented in collaboration with Kiyavahi, giving guests a taste of Maldivian music and heritage.
Endless Artistry Across the Island
Oaga’s evolving Rahvehi artist team brings creativity to every corner of the resort. From visuals and dance to movement-based performances and more, guests will encounter pop-up shows throughout the festive period, each crafted to surprise, delight, and evoke the vibrant spirit of the Maldives. This multi-talented team ensures that artistry is not confined to a stage but woven into every step of the guest experience.
A Maldivian Story in Every Celebration
This festive season, Oaga Art Resort celebrates tradition and creativity with a Koadi-inspired Christmas Tree, a homage to Maldivian heritage. Koadi, a hand-crafted pole adorned with intricately woven palm leaves and flowers, is traditionally presented as an umbrella-like design during Eid Al -Adha. Alongside this, botanical Christmas trees across the island bring natural beauty and sustainability to the celebrations.
Guests can also look forward to a spectacular New Year’s Eve, with fireworks and a night-long celebration of music, performance, and storytelling. The festivities feature high-impact Boduberu and fire-led performances that feel both ancient and primal, theatrical dining experiences, and island storytelling that captivates and moves audiences. Curated musical nights and art-led shows create a rhythmic celebration where culture, creativity, and energy build continuously over the course of the season.
Step Into the Story
This festive season, Foo invites guests not merely to witness the Maldives, but to live it. Every melody, every handcrafted detail, and every culinary creation becomes part of a larger story, a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the timeless soul of the islands.
Some stories aren’t written. They are discovered, felt, and lived.
For art lovers and creative souls seeking a Maldivian escape, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive Plan re-defines the very essence of an all-inclusive holiday. Dive into Free Flow art sessions, find your rhythm with Dance Lab movement and dance experiences, savour Floating Meals through the day, embark on captivating excursions, enjoy thrilling motorised watersports, and so much more.
Nestled in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport near Male’. This intimate island features 60 vibrant beach and overwater villas, unique cart-style dining experiences, and a spa deeply inspired by Maldivian traditional healing practices. Oaga Art Resort stands as a true creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople.
Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!
Culture
Cocoon Maldives brings Maldivian culture to life for Eid Al-Adha Celebrations
Cocoon Maldives invites guests to experience the spirit of Eid Al-Adha through a vibrant celebration inspired by authentic Maldivian culture, traditions, and island hospitality.
Bringing together local heritage and festive island experiences, the celebration will feature a lively lineup of traditional performances and interactive activities designed to immerse guests in the rich cultural identity of the Maldives. Guests will have the opportunity to witness the colourful Bodumas and Maali Parade, inspired by traditional folklore and island festivities, alongside energetic local dance performances presented by the resort’s team members.

The celebration will also include a traditional Coconut Show, the exciting Bodumas Chase performance, live DJ entertainment, and a festive gathering atmosphere complete with refreshing mocktails and island-inspired refreshments.
As part of the experience, guests can enjoy authentic cultural moments while discovering the warmth and joyful spirit of Maldivian celebrations in a unique beachfront setting. The festivities will continue into the second day with interactive activities and friendly games between guests and team members, creating memorable moments of connection and celebration.

“At Cocoon Maldives, we are delighted to celebrate Eid Al-Adha by sharing the beauty of Maldivian traditions and creating meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Ahmed Jihad, Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection. “Through cultural performances, island festivities, and shared moments of joy, we aim to offer an authentic and memorable celebration in paradise.”

Known as the first design resort in the Maldives, Cocoon Maldives continues to create immersive guest experiences that combine island luxury with local culture, bringing travellers closer to the spirit of the destination.
Culture
Joy Island Maldives to host Eid Al-Adha festivities inspired by local traditions
Joy Island Maldives invites guests to experience the joyful spirit of Eid Al-Adha through a vibrant multi-day celebration inspired by authentic Maldivian culture, island traditions, and community togetherness.
Taking place from 26th to 28th May 2026, the festive programme will immerse guests in the rich heritage of the Maldives through traditional performances, local rituals, cultural games, and lively beachfront celebrations designed for both guests and team members to enjoy together.

The festivities begin on 26th May with a special Eid Night Celebration at the Staff Beach, featuring the traditional Eid Malhi lighting ritual accompanied by live Boduberu performances. Guests will also enjoy a Bodibaiy and BBQ gathering beneath the stars, creating a warm and festive island atmosphere.
On 27th May, the celebrations continue with a traditional Eid morning programme, including Eid Prayer, Eid Breakfast, and Eid Salaam led by the resort’s leadership team. Later in the afternoon, guests will be invited to join the vibrant Eid Maali Parade at the Water Sports Beach, showcasing Bodumas performances, Maali characters, traditional ladies’ dancing, and energetic Boduberu drumming.

The cultural festivities will also feature interactive Maldivian games and activities such as Tug of War, Naashi Vehttu, Faigathalhaa, and the colourful Eid Kula Jehun celebration, encouraging guests to experience the playful and communal spirit of local island traditions.
The celebrations conclude on 28th May with a Special Maldivian Night, offering guests an immersive evening inspired by the flavours, music, and traditions of the Maldives.
“At Joy Island Maldives, we are delighted to celebrate Eid Al-Adha by sharing the warmth of Maldivian hospitality and the beauty of our local traditions with guests from around the world,” said Ahmed Jihad, Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection. “These celebrations are designed to create meaningful cultural connections and joyful moments that truly reflect the spirit of the Maldives.”

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and playful island experiences, Joy Island Maldives continues to create immersive celebrations that bring together culture, entertainment, and unforgettable memories in paradise.
Culture
Visit Maldives brings spirit of island Eid to worldwide audiences
The spirit, colour, and traditions of a Maldivian island Eid will take centre stage this festive season as Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) prepares to deliver immersive daily coverage of the Eid celebrations from Raa Atoll Meedhoo, bringing one of the country’s most vibrant cultural festivities to audiences around the world.
Beginning on 26 May, Visit Maldives will provide daily coverage from the island across its social media platforms and digital channels, continuing through 30 May. The initiative will showcase the atmosphere, traditions, and community celebrations that define Eid in the Maldives, offering audiences a deeper connection to the cultural identity of the islands beyond their well-known luxury experiences.
Throughout the five-day coverage, Visit Maldives teams will provide daily updates, feature segments, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the island, capturing traditions that continue to shape community life across the Maldives. The campaign aims to position Maldivian culture and heritage as a central part of the destination experience while highlighting the unique character of local island communities.
Among the key traditions featured is Vedhuma Dhiyun, a longstanding custom where groups of islanders formally seek permission from community elders and leaders to begin Eid festivities. The practice reflects the strong communal values and cultural continuity preserved within island life.
The celebrations will also spotlight Bodu Mas, one of the most recognised Eid traditions in the Maldives. Meaning “big fish” in Dhivehi, the celebration centres around a giant fish structure crafted from woven coconut palm leaves and ceremonially carried through the island in a lively communal gathering rooted in the Maldives’ seafaring heritage.
Another major highlight is Maali Neshun, a traditional performance where participants dress as mythical figures and spirits using handcrafted costumes made from coconut leaves and local materials. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of boduberu drums, the performances transform the island into a visually striking cultural celebration.
The campaign will additionally feature Koadi Kendun, a traditional community event centred around a decorated wooden structure crafted from coconut palm materials. The celebration combines performance, competition, and artistic expression, reflecting both longstanding traditions and evolving forms of island creativity.
Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, noted that showcasing living traditions and community celebrations remains an important part of strengthening destination storytelling.
“The Maldives is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the traditions, people, and communities that continue to preserve our cultural identity. Through this campaign, we want global audiences to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of a Maldivian island Eid in an authentic and meaningful way,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the people of Raa Meedhoo, particularly the communities of Hulhangu Avah and Irumathi Avah, along with the Raa Meedhoo Island Council, for their role in supporting and facilitating the initiative and helping bring the island’s Eid celebrations to wider international audiences.
Following the daily coverage period, Visit Maldives will continue the initiative through long-form storytelling content scheduled for release from next month onwards on its YouTube platform, offering in-depth features, interviews, and cultural narratives from Raa Meedhoo and its celebrations.
Through this campaign, Visit Maldives continues to expand destination storytelling by highlighting the Maldives as a place shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by its living traditions, island communities, and cultural heritage.
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