Maldives Celebrate 50 Years of Independence from UK on 26th July 2015 With Cultural Events and Festivities

The 26th July 2015 marks the 50th Anniversary of Independence for the Maldives and the destination is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year with events and festivities taking place nationwide.

The Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1887, with the British pledging to protect the country from colonial expansion. This lasted for more than 70 years until on 26 July 1965, the Maldives gained their full independence.

During the Independence Day celebrations, festivities will include school parades across the streets of the Maldives along with public feasts and special menus served in most local restaurants, as well as a replica of an ancient Maldivian village built on the island of Male. Set in the middle of the most densely-populated island in the Maldives, small palm-thatched houses, huts made of coconut palm trunks and traditional rope swings will take guests back in time and encourage them to admire the wealth of the Maldivian culture.

As part of this year's 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations, some of the island's leading resorts will welcome guests with an array of events and special activities taking place during July including:

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Celebrates 50 Years of Independence with Complimentary Local Island Excursion throughout July 2015

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is treating those guests visiting the Maldives throughout July to a complimentary excursion to a nearby local island. The Velidhoo and Holhudhoo Island Experiences enable guests to explore the local community, from visiting a local fruit farm to hearing first-hand the origins of a local village grandmother's recipe used in the hotel restaurants' kitchens.

Seven Night Half Board Package at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives, from £3,952 per family

Travelbag is offering a seven night package on a half board basis from £3,952 per family. The price is based on a family of four sharing a Beach Villa on a half-board basis and includes return scheduled flights from Heathrow Airport with Oman Air. The offer is based on July 2015 departure. To book, www.travelbag.co.uk or call 0871 911 0016.

50th Anniversary Festivities at Centara Hotels & Resorts

Centara Hotels & Resorts will be celebrating the event at both of their properties; the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Plans include an afternoon soiree at each property, at which local Maldivian residents will join hotel guests for a cultural event sharing their unique insights into local island life.

Seven Night All Inclusive Package at Centara Hotels & Resorts, from £5,115 per couple

Destinology is offering a seven night package at Centara Hotels & Resorts from £5,115 per couple. The price is based on two adults sharing a Luxury Sunset Water Villa on an all inclusive basis and includes return scheduled flights from Heathrow Airport with Oman Air. The offer is based on July 2015 departure. To book, visitwww.destinology.co.uk or call 01204 823630.

A Special Journey to Culture, Craft and History at Park Hyatt Maldives, Hadahaa

Guests staying at Park Hyatt Maldives, Hadahaa will be taken on a "Journey to Culture, Craft and History". The resort is offering its guests the chance to explore a local island with a guide and learn more about the social structure of the islands and the traditional way of living of the Maldivian people.

Seven Night All Inclusive Package at Park Hyatt Maldives, Hadahaa, from £7,900 per couple

Bailey Robinson is offering a seven night package at Park Hyatt Maldives, Hadahaa from £7,900 per couple. The price is based on two adults sharing accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, international flights from London, domestic flights and speedboat transfers. The offer is based on July 2015 departure. To book, visitwww.baileyrobinson.com or call 01488 690 700.

Mr Mohamed Adam, Deputy Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation says, "During 2015, the Maldives will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence on 26th July with a number of major events including an ancient Maldivian village built on the island of Male. Having already welcomed an increase in visitor arrivals from the UK, including an 8% increase in UK tourists during the first three months of 2015, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from the UK during this exciting time and showcasing our cultural heritage."

For further information on the Maldives, visitwww.visitmaldives.com.