Favourite cartoon characters on the streets; Independence Day floats take over

Everyone, young and old, have gathered on Majeedhee Magu in Male city to see the Independence Day parade this Sunday evening. Beloved cartoon characters have come alive and filled the streets, distributing candy at the same time. Children are overjoyed.

The entire Majeedhee Magu was filled with people and children gathered to watch the floats which started at 8:30 pm. Characters from well-known cartoons such as Despicable Me, as well as a float designed to look like a scene straight out of Minecraft were also on display.

The most notable floats are by:

HDC:

Children's attention was most directed towards the float presented by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Their float was designed to symbolize one of the most popular build and simulation games, Minecraft.

HDC designed the float in 15 days using plywood and welded steel.

The float symbolizes the three stages of Hulhumale. The float shows the large ‘runba’ vessel in Hulhumale Central Park, the bridge connecting the first and second phases of Hulhumale and three symbolic buildings of the third phase of the financial district. Minecraft characters are there too, working and interacting with crowds around the float.

RDC:

The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has released several episodes of the popular cartoon "Despicable Me" featuring large crowds and children. The earliest appearance was of characters like Gru and Vector from Despicable Me. Later, the character "GruMobile" was introduced.

The beloved minions follow, and Gru’s house is shown in the back. The moon is at the very top.

This was a float that took eight days to finish. Many children were seen taking pictures with the characters of this float.

STO:

Although the State Trading Organization (STO)’s float had cartoon characters, it stood out from the rest by the sheer number of characters that showed up. The float, which was completed in two weeks, is designed to resemble a Disney castle. The flags on the castle symbolized STO’s subsidiaries; Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM), Allied Insurance and Maldives State Shipping (MSS).

Featured cartoon characters include James Sullivan from Monsters Inc., Stitch, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Minions, Hello Kitty and Kuromi.

In addition, floats from the MNDF, Maldives Police, STELCO and MTCC participated in the parade as well.

The police float presented the police 911 call center with the Maldivian flag and police flags in the background. The MNDF float showcased the Coast Guard, Air Corps, Fire and Rescue and Special Operations.

STELCO's float is distinct in the fact that their float was completely upcycled using old engines and spare parts. The float, which was built in 20 days, featured STELCO's main power plant and a song celebrating the services provided by STELCO to the public and the work of its employees.

The MTCC float shows a modern RTL ferry operated by the company. The one-month-long project showed the company's employees in traditional Maldivian dress, depicting their motto to be the pride of the nation.

One of the festivities that always attracts the attention of many people and children on Independence Day is the float parade. Last year's float tour also attracted a lot of attention and praise from the public.