Naadam (National Day) in Mongolia

Date: July 11-13 annually

Background: Naadam, also known as "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" (the three games of men), is the most widely watched festival in Mongolia and a national holiday that celebrates the country's independence. Its origins can be traced back to the nomadic warrior traditions and the Mongol Empire's era, where military parades and sporting competitions were held to keep the soldiers battle-ready. Over time, it evolved into a festival celebrating peace and sport.

Traditions: Naadam centers on three traditional sports, which are considered the essential skills of a Mongol warrior:

• Wrestling: Hundreds of wrestlers compete in this knockout competition wearing traditional attire called "zodog" (an open-fronted jacket) and "shuudag" (shorts).
• Horse racing: Unlike Western horse races, distances can range from 15 to 30 kilometers across open country with child jockeys, emphasizing stamina.
• Archery: Competitors use traditional Mongolian bows to hit targets at varying distances.

What People Do: On Naadam, people across Mongolia participate in or watch the three sporting events. The festival opens with an elaborate introduction ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horse riders, and musicians. Afterward, competitions commence across various venues:

• In Ulaanbaatar (the capital), events take place at the National Sports Stadium.
• In rural areas, communities gather on nearby steppes or specially allocated areas.

Aside from sports, people engage in cultural activities such as enjoying local cuisine (like "khuushuur," a deep-fried dumpling), listening to traditional music ("throat singing"), and watching performances of dance or folk arts. It's a time for families to come together, often wearing their best traditional clothes ("deel"), and for friends to celebrate.

Mongolians also use this holiday as an opportunity to honor their history and cultural heritage while enjoying the present-day festivities that accompany Naadam.