Hundreds of locals joined the festival to witness the elaborate drone show and a fireworks display to celebrate the turn of the new year.
The festival, organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in collaboration with several government ministries, agencies and private parties was held at the Hulhumale’ central park.
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal and MMPRC’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree also attended the event to witness the celebrations.
Several people who joined the celebrations expressed joy to be part of such a well organised event.
"It's a very impressive show. I'm delighted to be part of such an event," a person from the crowd told PSM News.
The highlight of the night was the spectacular drone show, with the blinking and colourful drones lining up in unison to showcase Maldivian culture and its natural beauty.
The festivities also saw several cultural performances like “bodu beru” and “dhafi negun.” The celebrations were capped off by a colourful fireworks display at midnight that lit up the night sky to welcome the new year.
The two-day festival is set to continue on Wednesday, from 4pm till 10pm with food and cultural festival, arts and craft stalls and multiple fun activities for families with children.
New Year's Eve is always celebrated throughout the island nation. This year's event will celebrate Maldives’ achievements during the past year and promote its rich cultural heritage, MMPRC had said.
According to MMPRC, this important initiative is designed to provide a new experience for both locals and tourists.