Naadam is the national festival held during Mongolia’s July celebrations of independence and national traditions.
The festival is officially known as the Three Games of Men because its central competitions are wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Although the traditional name refers to men, women and girls participate in archery and horse racing, and women’s wrestling events have also been introduced in modern competitions.
The main Naadam festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar from 11 to 13 July. Smaller Naadam celebrations are held throughout Mongolia, often around the same period. Ceremonies commonly feature traditional clothing, music, mounted displays, and formal processions.
Naadam is closely associated with Mongolia’s 1921 revolution and the country’s modern national identity, but its sporting traditions are much older. It is not the same holiday as Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s lunar New Year, which is celebrated at a different time.