This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with a deeply immersive two-day program that blends tradition, storytelling, and rare cultural craft. As part of the resort’s signature ‘Discover Local’ initiative, guests will experience some authentic side of the Maldives through culinary rituals, folklore, a Joali and palm leaves weaving sessions.

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A Rare Tradition Shared: Joali Weaving

On Saturday, 7 June 2025, guests will take part in a Joali weaving workshop, where they’ll learn to create traditional coconut rope items using age-old island techniques. Joali weaving, typically passed down in island households and rarely demonstrated in hospitality settings, becomes a tactile way for guests to engage with living Maldivian heritage.

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions,” said Mohamed Irshad, Front Office Manager. “Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life.”

Eid Buffet and the Maali Parade

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The celebration begins on Friday, 6 June, with a special Eid buffet inspired by Maldivian culinary heritage. Guests will enjoy refined versions of festive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, a tribute to the holiday and the island’s vibrant flavors.

The following evening features the Maali Parade, a vivid, resort-led folklore procession inspired by masked figures from traditional Maldivian storytelling.

Maldivian Sandbank Picnic: A Culinary Ritual by the Sea

One of the most visually striking and sensory-rich experiences during Eid but available throughout the year, is the Sandbank Picnic. Set on a secluded sandbank, guests are welcomed with a traditional tray placed on top of tropical leaves, filled with Maldivian short eats, including:

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• Gulha – Coconut and tuna fritters
• Kulhi Kaajaa – Spicy tuna bites
• Bajiya – Pastries with sweet-spicy fillings
• Rihaakuru Kaajaa – Deep, rich fish paste fritters
• Dry Fish – Smoked tuna strips
• Bodi – Coconut sweets with toddy syrup

Served with fresh coconut water, this picnic is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tasting ceremony that connects guests to the island’s culinary soul.  

Year-Round Discover Local Experiences 

Eid is part of a broader commitment to cultural programming at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo. Through its Discover Local program, the resort offers guests:

• Traditional sunset fishing
• Palm leaf art

Cultural cocktails with a local twist, crafted using indigenous ingredients and inspired by island flavors. Guests can explore a rotating menu of signature Maldivian-inspired cocktails, including:

• Maldivian Green – Gin, curry leaf-infused syrup, lemon, soda water
• Ocean Breeze – Butterfly pea flower vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple, coconut syrup
• Green Kooddoo – Rum, Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, coconut syrup
• Mirus Rita – Maldivian chili-infused tequila, lime juice, sugar, tobacco
• Coco Kurumba – Tamarind juice, whisky, coconut milk, passion fruit syrup

These handcrafted beverages add a new dimension to local discovery, allowing guests to taste the islands in an entirely new way.

Whether joining for Eid or visiting any time of year, guests at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo are invited to experience the Maldives not just as a destination, but as a living culture.