The Naadam Festival
Naadam is Mongolia’s most beloved and spectacular holiday, a vibrant celebration of strength, skill, and tradition. Known as the festival of the “Three Manly Games” — wrestling, horse racing, and archery — Naadam brings the entire nation together in a spirit of pride and festivity.
Every summer, Mongolians eagerly await the chance to witness the strongest wrestler, the sharpest archer, and the fastest horse. The festival is celebrated across provinces and towns throughout the country, lasting for weeks, but the grand State Naadam Festival takes place annually from July 11–13 in Ulaanbaatar.
During Naadam, Mongolians dress in their traditional deel, filling the streets with color and heritage. The opening ceremony is a dazzling showcase of culture, featuring traditional dances, songs, and performances that highlight Mongolia’s artistic spirit.
Wrestling at Naadam – Mongolia’s Oldest Sport
Wrestling is the centerpiece of the Naadam Festival and one of Mongolia’s proudest traditions. At the State Naadam Festival, as many as 512–1024 wrestlers from across the country compete, while smaller local Naadams host between 32–128 competitors.
What makes Mongolian wrestling truly unique is its absence of weight or age classes — every wrestler, young or old, light or heavy, competes on equal terms. Matches take place simultaneously in open-air stadiums, creating a thrilling atmosphere of strength and skill.
Each wrestler is accompanied by a zasuul, a traditional figure who encourages the athlete, performs ceremonial gestures, and helps judge the outcome. Victory is achieved when one wrestler forces the other to touch the ground with any part of the body except the palms — a rule that sets Mongolian wrestling apart from all other styles in the world.
✨ Watching the wrestling at Naadam is more than a sporting event — it’s a living tradition, a display of courage, and a celebration of Mongolia’s heritage.
Horse Racing at Naadam – The Pride of Mongolia
Horsemanship lies at the very heart of Mongolian identity. For centuries, Mongols conquered vast lands on horseback, and even today, the horse remains a symbol of freedom, strength, and culture. Nowhere is this tradition more alive than during the Naadam Festival, where the nation’s greatest horse races take place each July.
Mongolian horse racing is unlike any other in the world. It is not just about speed — it is a true test of endurance and stamina. Hundreds of horses thunder across the open steppe, racing distances that range from 8 to 24 kilometers, depending on age:
-
2–3 year-old horses: 8–10 km
-
4–5 year-old horses: 12–14 km
-
6+ year-old horses: 16–24 km
The riders are just as remarkable as the horses. Children as young as 5 to 13 years old take the reins, guiding their steeds with skill and courage. Their training methods, passed down through generations, are precise and deeply rooted in nomadic tradition.
✨ Watching the race is an unforgettable experience — the sight of hundreds of horses galloping across the endless steppe, guided by young riders, is a living testament to Mongolia’s proud heritage and unbreakable bond with the horse
Archery at Naadam – Precision and Tradition
The archery contest is one of the most captivating events of the Naadam Festival. Though the sports are called the “Three Manly Games”, archery proudly welcomes both men and women to compete, making it a celebration of skill and tradition for all.
Historically, archery was essential to Mongolian life — used for hunting and as a powerful weapon in battle. Today, it remains a symbol of precision, patience, and heritage.
Mongolian archery is unique compared to other styles around the world. The targets are placed on the ground, not elevated, requiring competitors to shoot high into the sky to create the perfect trajectory. Distances vary:
-
Men: 75 meters
-
Women: 60 meters
The sight of archers in traditional attire, drawing their bows and sending arrows soaring into the air before striking the ground targets, is a breathtaking reminder of Mongolia’s warrior past and enduring cultural pride.
✨ Watching the archery contest at Naadam is to witness centuries of tradition preserved in every arrow’s flight
