Naadam

Naadam is Mongolia’s major traditional festival, celebrated each July across the country, especially in Ulaanbaatar. The festival centers on the 'three games of men': wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and is a vivid expression of Mongolian culture and history.

• Features wrestling, horse racing, and archery as main events
• Held annually in July, especially in Ulaanbaatar
• Children serve as jockeys in long-distance horse races
• Archery competitions include both men and women
• Traditional foods like khuushuur and airag are enjoyed

What it is

Naadam is the most celebrated festival in Mongolia, bringing together communities to honor their heritage through the 'three games of men': wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These competitions are not just sports but deeply rooted traditions that reflect the nomadic spirit and martial history of the Mongolian people. Naadam serves as both a national holiday and a communal gathering, where families, friends, and visitors join to witness feats of strength, skill, and endurance. The festival is a living link to Mongolia’s past, and a proud showcase of its unique customs and identity.

Where it comes from

Naadam has ancient origins, believed to have begun as martial contests and celebrations following important events such as weddings or spiritual gatherings. Over centuries, these games became a way to train warriors and celebrate the nomadic lifestyle. The three games are mentioned in the 13th-century 'Secret History of the Mongols.' Naadam was formalized as an annual festival in 1639, and over time, it evolved into a state event, especially during the Qing dynasty and later under communist rule. Today, it commemorates Mongolia’s independence and the 1921 revolution, while preserving centuries-old traditions.

How it is celebrated

Naadam’s main events are wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Wrestling tournaments feature hundreds of male competitors in traditional costumes, with elaborate rituals and titles awarded to victors. Horse races are long-distance cross-country events, with children as jockeys and songs sung for both winners and the last-place horse. Archery is open to both men and women, who compete in teams, aiming at rows of small targets while wearing national dress. The festival opens with colorful parades of cavalry, athletes, and monks, and is accompanied by music, dance, and the sharing of traditional foods like khuushuur and airag. Games using shagai (knucklebones) are also popular.

Joining in

The largest Naadam celebration takes place in Ulaanbaatar’s National Sports Stadium from July 11 to 13, drawing crowds from across Mongolia and beyond. Visitors can expect vibrant opening ceremonies, thrilling competitions, and a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Regional Naadam festivals are held in towns and villages, offering a more intimate experience. Attendees can sample local foods, watch traditional performances, and join in the excitement of the games. It’s a welcoming time for newcomers to experience Mongolian culture firsthand.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Naadam, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Naadam on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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