What Naadam Is
Naadam is Mongolia’s best-known national festival. The word is commonly translated as “games” or “contests,” and the celebration centers on three sports: wrestling, archery and horse racing. These are often described together as the Three Manly Games, a phrase that reflects their historical origins in male military and hunting skills, although women now compete in archery and young girls ride in the races.
The festival is a point of national pride. It brings together sport, ceremony, music, food and family reunions, and it is recognized by UNESCO as an element of intangible cultural heritage. For many Mongolians it is a holiday as much as a sporting event.
Timing, Without Exact Dates
Naadam takes place in the summer. The main national celebration is typically held in the capital in July, and it is linked with the anniversary commemorations of the state. Many provinces and districts hold their own Naadams around the same time, and some are held earlier or later in the season. Exact dates and the number of days can vary, and schedules for individual events may change, so confirm details with local organizers or official sources shortly before you travel.
Summer is also a busy time for travelers, which means flights, hotels and camps can fill up. Planning early is wise if you hope to attend.
The Opening Ceremony
At the national celebration, the festival opens with a formal ceremony. It usually includes a procession, ceremonial banners, performers in traditional dress and a parade of athletes. Riders in historical-style costumes and military honor guards often take part. The ceremony may be followed by cultural performances and then by the start of the competitions.
The atmosphere can be formal and festive at the same time. If you attend, arrive early, expect crowds and be prepared for sun, wind or sudden changes in weather.
Wrestling
Mongolian wrestling is a contest of strength and balance. Matches are usually held in an open field or stadium, and competitors wear a close-fitting jacket and briefs along with distinctive boots. A wrestler loses by touching the ground with certain body parts, so there are no weight classes or time limits in the traditional format. Wrestlers often perform a dance-like movement imitating an eagle before and after bouts.
Titles are awarded to those who win a number of rounds, and the traditional ranks are an important part of the sport’s culture. Rules and customs have more nuance than a short summary can capture.
Archery
Traditional archery uses recurve bows and is practiced by both men and women. Competitors shoot at targets arranged on the ground, and judges signal the results, often with ritual calls and gestures. Teams and individuals may take part. The sport reflects a long history in which the bow was both a tool and a weapon on the steppe, and it is still admired as a skill requiring discipline and focus.
Exact distances, equipment and rules vary between events, so treat any summary as general. Spectators should keep well back from the shooting area and follow the instructions of officials.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is the most distinctive event for many visitors. The races are run over long, open stretches of countryside rather than on a track, and the riders are children, often between about five and thirteen years old, a range that is commonly cited but can vary. The horses are grouped by age, and the course lengths differ for each group.
Racing is regarded as a test of the horse more than the rider. Winning horses are often praised in song, and the best are honored in short ritual verses. Because racing takes place on open land, there are safety considerations for both riders and spectators. Follow instructions, stay behind markers and do not approach the course unless invited to.
Food, Games and Family Life
Around the competitions, festivals bring tents, snack stalls and family picnics. Typical festival foods include Mongolian dumplings, fried pastries and boiled mutton, along with salty milk tea and, in summer, fermented mare milk. Some families also bring out the ankle-bone game known as shagai games, and children often play together between events.
Naadam is also a time for visiting relatives, wearing a traditional deel, and sharing meals. Some families travel from distant provinces to be together.
Tips for Visitors
- Treat Naadam as a living tradition. Ask before photographing people, and keep clear of the competitors.
- Bring sun protection, layers and water, since conditions can change quickly.
- Watch your belongings in crowds, and follow local safety advice.
- Be flexible: schedules, venues and entry arrangements can change.
- If invited to a family meal, accept politely and follow the ordinary customs of hospitality.
Naadam can be one of the most memorable experiences in Mongolia, but it is a national celebration first and a tourist event second. Approaching it with patience and curiosity usually brings the best results.