The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most significant national holiday, celebrating the country’s independence, history, and cultural heritage. It is often referred to as “Eriin Gurvan Naadam” or "The Three Manly Games", highlighting the three traditional sports at its core: wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

When & where:

• National Naadam, the main event: Held annually on July 11-13 in Ulaanbaatar, with the grand opening ceremony taking place at the National Sports Stadium.
• Regional Naadams: Smaller festivals are held in provinces and soums across Mongolia from June to August.

The Three Manly Games of Naadam:

1. Mongolian Wrestling 
   • 512 or 1024 wrestlers compete in a single-elimination format.
   • No weight classes, time limits, or point systems – the first to touch the ground (other than feet and hands) loses.
   • Champion Title: The winner earns the prestigious title of "Arslan" (Lion), while runners-up receive titles such as "Zaan" (Elephant) and "Garid" (Garuda).
2. Horse Racing
   • Unlike Western racing, these are long-distance endurance races (10-30 km), testing the stamina and speed of the horses.
   • Jockeys are young children (5-13 years old) to keep the horses lightweight and fast.
   • Horses are classified by age, and winning horses bring great honor to their owners.
3. Archery
   • Men, women, and children compete separately in target archery.
   • Traditional Mongolian bows, known for their power and precision, are used.
   • Judges and spectators encourage archers with traditional chants when a shot is successful.

History & Significance:

• Ancient origins: Naadam traces back to the times of the Mongol Empire when warriors trained in these skills for war.
• National holiday: Since 1921, it has been celebrated as Mongolia’s Independence Day.
• UNESCO recognition: In 2010, Naadam was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Naadam is more than just a sports festival – it’s a celebration of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, history, and national pride. Whether you watch thrilling races, cheer on the wrestlers, or taste traditional foods, Naadam is an unforgettable experience!