The National Day is observed on the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar and marks the day Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese from Mal in 1573, while the Republic Day is celebrated on 11 November, commemorating the formation of the current Republic in 1968. The Victory Day marks the victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian government on 3 November 1988. Cuisine Fish and rice are the staple diet of Maldivians, with meat and chicken eaten only on special occasions. National dishes include fried fish, fish curry and fish soup. The spiny backed lobster is a delicacy.
Areca nut is the equivalent of an after-dinner mint.
Nevertheless, all tourist resorts and hotels, as well cruise ships and yachts have alcohol for consumption of guests. The local brew is raa, a sweet and delicious toddy, tapped from the palm trees. In fact, fish and coconuts are about the only products that do not have to be imported. Poor soil and lack of cultivable land limit agriculture. Export-oriented industries include tuna fish canning and manufacture of garments.