The Eagle Festival is a traditional celebration of the ancient Kazakh hunting culture in Mongolia. This festival not only preserves the art of eagle hunting but also serves as a platform to showcase Kazakh cultural heritage and boost tourism in Mongolia. The festival is held twice a year to preserve and promote the heritage of eagle hunting:

1. Spring Festival takes place every March near Ulaanbaatar at the Chinggis Khaan Khureecomplex.
2. Autumn Festival is held in early October in Bayan-Ulgii Province, the most western region of Mongolia.

Festival Highlights:

• Eagle hunter parade: Participants wear traditional Kazakh attire, showcasing their trained eagles on their arms while riding decorated horses. A contest is held for the best traditional costume, horse decoration, and eagle equipment.
• Eagle hunting competition: Trained eagles demonstrate their obedience and hunting skills by catching prey.
• Kazakh traditional games: Kökpar (goat carcass tug-of-war on horseback) and Tenge Ilu (grabbing a coin from the ground while galloping on horseback) 
• Cultural performances: Kazakh folk music, traditional dances, and horseback performances add to the festival’s atmosphere.