People & Culture
The locals of Guraidhoo have long been interacting with tourists from different parts of the world
People & Culture
Locals and Guests
The locals of Guraidhoo have long been interacting with tourists from different parts of the world. From the times they traded sea shells to curious travelers the locals and guests have created a harmonious connection.
The dive culture of Guraidhoo was born from such connections, The Dive center- DivePoint Maldives in Guraidhoo was born as a joint business venture by a foreigner who relocated to Maldives because of his fascination for diving its waters, and a divemaster from Guraidhoo. Today our guests are guided by professionals ready to take you for a fun experienced dive.
The surf culture in Guraidhoo is taking in new waves with local youths raising the bars. You can see surfers from different parts of the world surfing along with our local talents.
The dive culture of Guraidhoo was born from such connections, The Dive center- DivePoint Maldives in Guraidhoo was born as a joint business venture by a foreigner who relocated to Maldives because of his fascination for diving its waters, and a divemaster from Guraidhoo. Today our guests are guided by professionals ready to take you for a fun experienced dive.
The surf culture in Guraidhoo is taking in new waves with local youths raising the bars. You can see surfers from different parts of the world surfing along with our local talents.
Local cuisine
Explore the local recipes and try out dishes made from locally grown ingredients. Guesthouses and restaurants offer classic Maldivian breakfasts and tasty fish dishes made Maldivian style.
Many colorful little café’s with outdoor garden spaces are scattered around the island. Evening tea is a busy time for most café’s with hedhikaa –the traditional Maldivian short eats being served with sweet black tea. It is customary for Maldivians to enjoy these savory snacks, that come in a variety of shapes and tastes from sweet to spicy often with tuna fillings.
Fresh leaves are used to make a healthy omelettes, and often used to prepare a local side favorite of Maldivians ‘theluli faii’ – moringa leaves stir fried with onions, chillies and dried fish. Curries are other traditional dishes like breadfruit rice is made from local breadfruits plucked from the trees shading the children playing on the streets.
Many colorful little café’s with outdoor garden spaces are scattered around the island. Evening tea is a busy time for most café’s with hedhikaa –the traditional Maldivian short eats being served with sweet black tea. It is customary for Maldivians to enjoy these savory snacks, that come in a variety of shapes and tastes from sweet to spicy often with tuna fillings.
Fresh leaves are used to make a healthy omelettes, and often used to prepare a local side favorite of Maldivians ‘theluli faii’ – moringa leaves stir fried with onions, chillies and dried fish. Curries are other traditional dishes like breadfruit rice is made from local breadfruits plucked from the trees shading the children playing on the streets.
Art and culture
The art culture in Guraidhoo reflects a blend of traditional Maldivian art and natural beauty of the island. Walking along the roads you can see murals on the walls with different art styles emerging and merging with the work of local artists expressing their connection with the marine life.
On special holidays you can experience traditional performances like bodu beru –which translates to ‘big drums’ which is a traditional form of music and dance involving energetic drumming, singing and vibrant performances. Often crafts are made from palm fronds, and used as part of the festival decorations and storytelling.
The art scene for Guraidhoo is growing with locals getting more involved in reviving the traditional art forms and embracing art culture as part of their vibrant community.
On special holidays you can experience traditional performances like bodu beru –which translates to ‘big drums’ which is a traditional form of music and dance involving energetic drumming, singing and vibrant performances. Often crafts are made from palm fronds, and used as part of the festival decorations and storytelling.
The art scene for Guraidhoo is growing with locals getting more involved in reviving the traditional art forms and embracing art culture as part of their vibrant community.
Community
Guraidhoo holds the only center for homes for People with special needs . First opened as ‘Bodu ge’-meaning big house in 1979,. the building was renamed and reopened later as a center for people with special needs. The center remains active and still the only such center in the Maldives with a many of the locals from the island working at the institute. With years behind this service, this kind of compassion has become a way of life in the community.
Although seemingly leading a slow life, you can find community grounds for sports, where locals engage in a more active lifestyle. With surf culture gaining more popularity, and water sports opening up exciting new thrills, Guraidhoo finds the balance of healthy fun activity with rest and relaxation in communal harmony.
Although seemingly leading a slow life, you can find community grounds for sports, where locals engage in a more active lifestyle. With surf culture gaining more popularity, and water sports opening up exciting new thrills, Guraidhoo finds the balance of healthy fun activity with rest and relaxation in communal harmony.