Maldives Culture

Historians believe the Maldives were once Buddhist, like nearby Sri Lanka, but today Muslim culture dominates. Television broadcasts stop five times a day for the call to prayer, foreigners are banned from bringing symbols of other religions into the country, alcohol is prohibited on non-resort islands and modest dress is essential on island tours. Before you panic, swimwear and tropical cocktails are the norm at the resorts. The closest most visitors get to authentic Divehi culture are the cultural shows laid on by resorts, or occasional village tours, which is a shame as the Maldivians are proud of their interesting island customs.

Most shows feature the traditional dance and music known as bodu beru, meaning 'big drum'. Dancers begin with a slow, nonchalant swaying and swinging of the arms, and become more animated as the tempo increases, finishing in a rhythmic frenzy. There are four to six drummers in an ensemble, and the sound has strong African influences. Contemporary local rock bands often perform at resorts, where they do credible covers of the usual old favourites. When they perform for a local audience they may incorporate elements of bodu beru in their music, with lots of percussion and extended drum solos. Cassettes from local bands are sold in Malé music shops.

Islam is the national religion and all Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. No other religions are permitted, though ancient beliefs survive: for example, islanders fear jinnis - evil spirits which come from the sea, land and sky. These are blamed for everything that cannot be explained by religion or science. Archaeologists have found evidence of Buddhist stupas and ancient sun-worshipping cultures on some of the outlying islands but little trace of these cultures has survived.

Fish and rice are the staple foods of Maldivians with meat and chicken eaten only on special occasions. National dishes include fried fish, fish curry and fish soup. Arecanut (an oval nut chewed with betel leaf, cloves and lime) is the equivalent of an after-dinner mint. Alcohol is only available in tourist resorts, and at the airport hotel. The local brew is raa, a sweet and delicious toddy tapped from the crown of the palm trunk. Apart from coconuts, there are very few fruits and vegetables grown on the islands, so most of the food served at tourist resorts is imported.

back to top