The first couple observed the float procession held in commemoration of the country’s 58th anniversary of Independence.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed attended the float procession event held on Thursday evening, as part of the many different festivities commemorating this year’s Independence Day.

The first couple observed the float parade near Izzuddin Jetty in Malé City.

This year’s float parade featured 15 floats from eight government offices, institutions, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The float procession was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Thursday’s event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, government officials and members of the public.

Maldives celebrates independence on July 26 every year since gaining independence from the British on the 26 July 1965 after 77 years as a British protectorate.

This year, the first couple hosted an official Independence Day reception at the courtyard of the Islamic Center. On the eve of the 58th anniversary of independence, the first couple extended warm greetings of the day to those in attendance at the ceremony.

The reception was joined by Vice President Faisal Naseem, Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, state dignitaries, senior members of the judiciary and independent institutions, members of various commissions, foreign dignitaries as well as political appointees.

Further, many different individuals including youth, women, individuals with special needs, prominent sports personalities as well as students from universities, colleges, and schools attended Tuesday’s reception.

At the break of dawn on July 26, the first couple attended the flag hoisting ceremony at Republic Square, joined by Cabinet Ministers, distinguished guests, and high-ranking officials from government offices and institutions.

Upon arrival at the Republic Square, the President and First Lady were welcomed by the Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla. A special prayer was recited at the ceremony by Sheikh Azim Khalid.

Other festivities the first couple joined include the military display and procession held at the National Stadium. Vice President Faisal Naseem and his spouse, Aishath Shamsada, also attended the event.

Upon their arrival at the venue, the President and First Lady were greeted with presidential salutations. This was followed by a performance of the National Anthem by a combined ensemble orchestra of members from various School Bands and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) military band.

The President and First Lady then observed a procession by the Armed Forces Guard and a collective squad from the Maldives’ schools, which marched past the Presidential Stand and honored the President with another salute.

The Independence Day celebrations featured a parade of honor by the Maldives National Cadet Corps (MNCC), with the participation of 14 schools from Malé.

The festivities also included cultural and musical performances by the MNDF, Hulhumalé junior and senior groups, two groups from Henveiru and Maafannu Wards in Malé, and groups from Kaashidhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll, Vashafaru Island in Haa Alif Atoll, and Dhiggaru Island in Meemu Atoll.

The first couple also observed a military parade and display by MNDF at the Republic Square.

The military parade and display were kicked off with a presidential salute followed by a performance of the National Anthem by the MNDF military band.

Vice President Faisal Naseem and senior officials from government offices and institutions joined the general public in observing the festivities.