Naadam Festival is the most important and grand traditional festival in Mongolia, and it also serves as the country’s National Day. The customs of the festival originated as early as the 13th century during the time of Genghis Khan. Today, it is held annually from July 11th to 13th and has continued for more than 800 years.
The Naadam Festival features the thrill of athletic competitions, the inheritance of ethnic culture, and a festive atmosphere shared by all. It draws countless visitors from around the world to experience the unique charm of nomadic life on the grasslands.
On the first day of the Naadam Festival, a grand opening ceremony is held at the Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar, where the President of Mongolia delivers a speech. This is followed by a variety of activities throughout the day. In the evening, a large-scale cultural performance may take place, with numerous artists presenting a spectacular fusion of traditional and modern music and dance for the audience.
On the second day comes the highlight of the Naadam Festival — the “Three Manly Games”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
The wrestling competition is the most spectacular and popular event of the festival.
The competitors wear brightly colored and elaborately decorated wrestling outfits, with their muscular upper bodies exposed, colorful silk sashes tied around their waists, and tall leather boots on their feet. They signal each other with bold, eagle-like gestures, striking a heroic and spirited pose.
Wrestling matches held on the grasslands follow simple rules—there are no weight classes or time limits. All contestants compete together, and the strongest warriors who emerge victorious are awarded various honorary titles.
The horse racing competition is the most thrilling and high-speed event of the Naadam Festival.
On the grasslands, horses are the herders’ most loyal and powerful companions. At the sound of the command, hundreds of horses gallop forth with their riders, spreading out across the vast land and kicking up clouds of dust, creating a truly spectacular scene.
At the Nadam Festival, nothing holds the crowd in suspense quite like the archery competition.
Holding the bow, nocking the arrow, drawing the string, aiming, and releasing — the fluid and graceful motions showcase the archer’s powerful strength, steady composure, and keen judgment.
In addition, each region and village also holds its own celebrations, making the grasslands during the festival the liveliest and happiest places of all.
The closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival is usually held on the third day and includes award presentations, traditional dance performances, concerts, and more.
It’s important to note that tickets must be purchased separately for the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, wrestling, and archery competitions. Especially, tickets for the opening ceremony are very difficult to obtain, so it’s essential to watch for the official ticket release dates or seek help from local travel agencies to secure reservations. The horse racing takes place out on the vast grasslands and does not require tickets to watch. However, if you want to experience the thrilling sight of horses galloping up close, it’s best to arrive early and choose a good spot near the racecourse.
Every July, people gather to celebrate this grand event together.
