Mongolia Celebrates National Pride at Naadam Festival, Drawing Global Attention

Naadam festival

Every July, Mongolia unites in a vibrant celebration of its heritage and national identity during the annual Naadam Festival. More than just a national holiday, Naadam is a spectacular display of culture, history, and the skills that defined the nomadic warrior lifestyle for centuries. The festival, officially known as "The Three Manly Games," features the core sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year, the festival not only brought the Mongolian people together but also served as a focal point for international diplomacy, as world leaders extended warm wishes and affirmed bilateral ties with the nation.

A Celebration of Nomadic Tradition

The Naadam festival's roots trace back to the era of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, when military parades and competitions were used to train soldiers for battle. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace, independence, and the enduring spirit of the Mongolian people. The official celebration takes place from July 11th to 13th, with the most prominent festivities held at the National Naadam Stadium in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

The festival's main events are a captivating spectacle:

• Wrestling (Bökh): The centerpiece of Naadam, this untimed, single-elimination tournament can involve hundreds of wrestlers, with no weight classes. The unique "eagle dance" performed by wrestlers before and after each bout symbolizes strength and grace, making it a thrilling and revered competition.

• Horse Racing: A true test of endurance, these cross-country races are held over vast stretches of the steppe, with distances ranging from 15 to 30 kilometers. Unlike Western racing, the jockeys are young children (ages 5 to 13), whose light weight is believed to give the horses the best chance of victory.

• Archery: Honoring Mongolia’s military heritage, the archery competition features both men and women. Archers fire at small targets from a significant distance, with a team of "judges" positioned near the target to signal successful shots with unique chants and hand gestures.

Beyond the three main games, the festival is a sensory feast of traditional music, dance, colorful traditional attire, and the communal enjoyment of classic Mongolian foods like khuushuur (fried meat pastries) and airag (fermented mare's milk).

Diplomacy on the Steppe

On the occasion of the festival, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa received messages of congratulations from heads of state and government around the globe. These greetings underscore Naadam's significance beyond Mongolia's borders, demonstrating its role as a key moment in the nation's diplomatic calendar.

Messages of congratulations were received from President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China; President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation; King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Pope Leo XIV, Sovereign of the Vatican City State; President Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic; Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen of the Republic of Austria; President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea; President Miguel Diaz-Canel of the Republic of Cuba; President Thongloun Sisoulith of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America.

In their greetings, the leaders expressed their sincere congratulations to President Khurelsukh, wishing him good health, happiness, and continued success. They also extended their best wishes for peace, prosperity, and development for the people of Mongolia and affirmed their readiness to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation further.

President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation emphasized the friendly nature of Russia-Mongolia relations, highlighting their recent meeting in Moscow during the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. “Our meeting fully confirmed the cordial character of Russian-Mongolian relations. I am confident that we will continue working together to strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the benefit of our peoples and the stability and security of the region.” 

President Xi Jinping of China underlined the importance of China-Mongolia relations and stated that he is ready to work with President Khurelsukh to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, developing it a long-term, stable relations that serve as a model for neighboring countries and benefit the peoples of the two countries.

President Donald J. Trump of the United States reflected on the 38 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The US President reaffirmed the importance of the Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership as a symbol of the two countries’ shared commitment to peace and prosperity for the people. “I look forward to strengthening this partnership in the coming year, particularly in the areas of natural resources, energy, and trade,” he added.