The ‘Minivan Ufaa’ carnival commemorating the occasion of the island nation’s Independence Day has been inaugurated.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated the carnival in Hulhumalé on Saturday.

The event was joined by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla, Managing Director of Urbanco Ahmed Athif, senior government officials and some other Cabinet Ministers.

It is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with Urbanco, Dhiraagu, Ooredoo Maldives, the State Trading Organization (STO), State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) and the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).

The Minivan Ufaa Carnival will proceed until August 3.

The First Couple was welcomed by Minister Imran and his spouse, upon arrival at Central Park where the carnival kicked off.

Following the carnival’s inauguration, President Solih and First Lady Fazna toured the several stalls including game stalls and some sports activities.

The first couple also observed stage performances, a drone show that was held for the first time in the Maldives with the assistance of Bank of Maldives, Dhiraagu and the Ministry of Tourism.

A fireworks’ display and paramotor activity were also observed.

Some of the stalls featured at the carnival include food stalls by renowned local bakers, a karaoke box, a lazor park and many other attractions.

Further, Ooredoo Maldives will also be selecting two lucky winners from those visiting the carnival to win a seven-day trip to Bali, Indonesia. The trip offers tickets, accommodation at a four-star hotel and tours of famous tourist spots in Bali.

Visitors at the carnival will be required to scan a QR code at the carnival, to register for the lucky draw.

Due to an alarming increase in cases of vomiting and diarrhea across the Greater Malé Region, Urbanco has urged the public to practice caution when visiting the carnival and to avoid visiting if they are exhibiting symptoms, for the safety of all.