Festivals and celebrationsEast AsiaIndigenous and traditional
Naadam
In its own language: наадам
A midsummer festival of wrestling, horse racing, and archery kept by Mongols in Mongolia and neighboring regions.
Naadam is a major summer gathering held across Mongolia and parts of Inner Mongolia and Tuva. It centers on three traditional sports: wrestling, long-distance horse racing, and archery. The event honors the nomadic heritage and martial skills of the Mongolian people.
When is Naadam in 2027?
Naadam 2027 runs from 11 to 13 July 2027. Other years: 2026, 11 to 13 July 2026; 2028, 11 to 13 July 2028.
Naadam serves as the primary annual celebration for Mongol communities, highlighting their historic equestrian and martial traditions. Held during the warmest months, it brings together thousands of participants and spectators to witness competitions in wrestling, horse racing, and archery. The festival reinforces cultural identity and honors the nomadic lifestyle that has defined the region for centuries.
Historical roots
The practice dates back several centuries, evolving from military drills and social gatherings. Early versions included parades and contests designed to prepare warriors for conflict. By the seventeenth century, formal festivals dedicated to religious figures became common. Later iterations, such as the Ten Government Games, solidified the event as a state-sponsored occasion. The modern structure emerged after political shifts in the twentieth century, blending ancient customs with national commemoration.
The three games
Wrestling features single-elimination bouts where competitors must force an opponent to touch the ground with any body part other than the hands or feet. Horse racing involves long cross-country distances ranging from sixteen to thirty kilometers, ridden by young jockeys. Archery teams shoot at woven cylinder targets from varying distances depending on gender. These contests form the core of the festivities and draw large crowds to stadiums and open fields.
Food and drink
Attendees gather around sports venues to share meals and beverages. A staple dish consists of fried dumplings known as khuushuur. These are accompanied by airag, a fermented beverage made from mare's milk. The combination provides sustenance for participants and visitors alike during the lengthy days of competition and ceremony.
Ceremonies and symbols
Events begin with elaborate processions featuring dancers, musicians, and mounted cavalry. Nine horse tails representing historical tribes are transported to the main stadium to mark the opening. Participants perform traditional songs and dances, including the Biyelgee. Knucklebone games called shagai are also played as side activities for entertainment and divination.
How Naadam is kept
Thousands gather in stadiums and rural areas during midsummer. Wrestlers compete in elimination brackets while children ride horses over long distances. Archers aim at small wooden targets. Spectators watch matches, sing traditional songs, and eat fried dumplings with fermented mare's milk. Opening ceremonies feature parades and cultural performances.
When and where
Held annually in midsummer, usually between July 11 and 13. The exact dates align with national holidays and seasonal weather patterns favorable for outdoor events.
Centered in Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium. Regional celebrations occur throughout Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and the Tuva Republic in Russia.
What Naadam means
The festival preserves the martial spirit and nomadic heritage of the Mongol people. It honors historical leaders and tribal unity through competitive sports. The events reinforce community bonds and celebrate physical prowess and skill passed down through generations.
On the table
- khuushuur
- airag
Naadam dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Naadam date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 to 13 July 2026 |
| 2027 | 11 to 13 July 2027 |
| 2028 | 11 to 13 July 2028 |
Questions people ask about Naadam
When is Naadam in 2027?
Naadam 2027 runs from 11 to 13 July 2027. Other years: 2026, 11 to 13 July 2026; 2028, 11 to 13 July 2028.
What is Naadam?
Naadam is a traditional Mongolian festival centered on three sports: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It celebrates the nomadic heritage and martial skills of the Mongol people.
Where is Naadam celebrated?
It is primarily held in Mongolia, with the largest events in Ulaanbaatar. Celebrations also take place in Inner Mongolia and the Tuva Republic in Russia.
What food is eaten at Naadam?
Traditional foods include khuushuur, which are fried dumplings, and airag, a fermented drink made from mare's milk. These are served at venues throughout the festival.
See also
NowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnics
MaslenitsaA seven-day Eastern Slavic festival of pancakes and bonfires marking the end of winter before Lent.
SabantuyA summer festival of folk sports and feasting celebrated by Tatar, Bashkir, Chuvash, and Kazakh communities.
LosarThe Tibetan Buddhist New Year festival of renewal, offerings, and family feastsGood reading and sources
- Naadam on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Naadam", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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