Maldives marked its 61st Independence Day Sunday evening with a cultural showcase and a fireworks display at Republic Square.

The celebrations featured boduberu performances, traditional dances, performances by school students and a parade by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The programme highlighted the role of the military in safeguarding the Maldives' independence throughout the country's history.

The celebrations concluded with a five-minute fireworks display held near Izzuddin Faalan (Presidential Jetty).

This year's Independence Day celebrations were attended by Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State and Cabinet Member of Saudi Arabia. He attended as the special representative of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and foreign ambassadors to the Maldives also attended the ceremony.

A large crowd gathered around Republic Square to watch the celebrations, which began at 8.30pm.