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Over three days, Mongolians and tourists from all over the world were able to admire traditional dance and song performances, as well as participate in exciting traditional races and games.
Naadam, meaning "game" in Mongolian, has been celebrated since the time of Genghis Khan. According to ancient documents, the festival's origins stem from parades and hunting games played by soldiers in the past.
Naadam is celebrated throughout the steppe, but the biggest festival is in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian people eagerly await this festival and wear their most beautiful and colorful traditional costumes to attend.
To attend the festival, people drive or ride horses to the venue. Typically, there are three main games at the festival: wrestling, horseback riding, and archery. In 2010, Naadam was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of the world.
Like any other festival, Naadam begins with a ceremonial part. Dancers and musicians play music while athletes ride horses around the main stadium in the capital. After this ceremony, the festivities officially begin.
The main games in the Naadam festival are primarily about demonstrating the strength and masculinity of men. Some games can be participated in by women, except for wrestling.
Approximately 1,000 gladiators will step onto the square, waving their arms, mimicking the spread of eagle wings, and performing traditional dances. Songs celebrating their strength will resound throughout the stadium.
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At this festival, visitors can not only watch exciting performances but also enjoy traditional Mongolian dishes such as khuuurshuur, a type of Mongolian fried dumpling, goat yogurt, traditional tea, and more.
