Maldives on Wednesday night held a festive float parade in the capital Malé City to mark its 51st Independence Day.
A large number of people, including children, gathered along the streets to watch the parade, excited over seeing some of their favourite Disney characters brought to life.
img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14696836285009.JPG|Float parade held in Malé as part of Independence Day celebrations - Photo: PSM News
The float parade, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the occasion of the 51st Independence of the Maldives, began at 2000 hours from Rasfannu beach area. A total number of 14 floats by four state-owned companies participated in this year’s float parade.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim watched the float parade from the Mulee-aage area. Cabinet Ministers and senior officials of the administration were among the many guests in attendance.
img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14696412472867.jpg|Float parade held in Malé as part of Independence Day celebrations - Photo: PSM News
The parade saw 8 floats by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), 4 floats by State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), 1 float by State Trading Organization (STO) and 1 float by telecom provider, Dhiraagu.
The floats were also on display Thursday afternoon at Maafannu Stadium.
img:http://s4.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14697219294327.jpg|Cadets of Maldives National Cadet Corp. hold a march as part of Independence Day celebrations - Photo: PSM News
img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14697246804625.jpg|Cadets of Maldives National Cadet Corp. hold a march as part of Independence Day celebrations - Photo: PSM News
A route march by the National Cadet Corps. was also held Thursday afternoon, as part of the activities being held to mark the Independence Day. The route march began from the Social Centre.
In addition, a music festival titled “Dhivehi Fanaanunge Muiziki Eid” kicked off Thursday night at Ekuveni Stadium. The festival would be held on July 28, 29 and 31.