Saturday 11 July Naadam in Mongolia

The Naadam Festival is a significant national holiday in Mongolia that celebrates the country's cultural identity through the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Historically rooted in the 12th century as a display of military strength, the event is now held annually in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to coincide with the anniversary of the People’s Revolution. The festival features a grand opening ceremony with traditional performances followed by intense wrestling tournaments, where male competitors follow unique dress codes and simplified rules. Additionally, the archery competitions honor a long heritage of precision and skill that dates back to the era of Ghengis Khan. By involving citizens of all ages, the celebration preserves ancient traditions and showcases the historical importance of these athletic disciplines to the Mongolian people.