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Naadam Holiday

Get ready to celebrate Naadam Holiday with traditional sports, delicious food, and vibrant cultural performances - a truly unforgettable experience!

Saturday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 11

OBSERVED INMalaysia

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to experience the vibrant and exciting Naadam Holiday on July 11! This traditional festival originated in Mongolia as a way to celebrate the country's independence and honor its rich culture and heritage. The event is known for its thrilling sporting competitions including horse racing, archery, and wrestling, as well as colorful parades and cultural performances. It's a perfect time to immerse yourself in the unique traditions of Mongolia and join in on the festive atmosphere. Don't miss out on this amazing celebration of community, strength, and history!

TIMELINE

Naadam Holiday Timeline

Naadam's Origin

The Naadam festival can be traced back to the time of Ghengis Khan when games of horsemanship, archery, and wrestling were used to train warriors.

Celebrating Mongolia's Independence

The Naadam festival was formally registered as a celebration of Mongolia's independence after the Mongolian Revolution of 1921.

Naadam Becomes National Holiday

In 1956, the State Baga Naadam of Ulaanbaatar was established. This subsequently expanded into a national holiday known today as Naadam.

UNESCO Recognition

UNESCO listed the traditional festival of the Naadam among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Naadam's Centennial Celebration

In 2010, Mongolia celebrated the 100th anniversary of its independence with a grand Naadam festival.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Naadam Holiday

Attend a Naadam festival

Experience the traditional Mongolian holiday by attending a Naadam festival. Watch traditional sports competitions, enjoy cultural performances, and try out traditional food.

WEAR

Wear traditional Mongolian attire

Get into the spirit of Naadam by dressing up in traditional Mongolian attire. Not only will you look the part, but you'll also feel more connected to the holiday's cultural significance.

LEARN

Learn how to make traditional Mongolian food

Take a cooking class or watch online tutorials to learn how to make traditional Mongolian dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies). Then, share your creations with friends and family on Naadam Holiday.

PLAY

Play traditional Mongolian games

Gather some friends and family to play traditional Mongolian games such as shagai (ankle bone shooting) or khoomii (throat singing). These games are a fun and unique way to celebrate Naadam Holiday.

WATCH

Watch traditional Mongolian performances

If you can't attend a Naadam festival, you can still experience traditional Mongolian performances by watching videos online or attending local events. This is a great way to learn more about the culture and traditions of Naadam Holiday.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Naadam Holiday

The celebration brings people together

Naadam is a time for families, friends, and communities to come together to celebrate their culture and heritage. It's a time for sharing food, music, dance, and other festivities - creating a strong sense of unity and belonging among the Mongolian people.

It celebrates an important cultural event

Naadam is a traditional festival in Mongolia that dates back centuries, and it's still celebrated today. This holiday is a chance to learn more about the country's rich history and traditions, and to celebrate with the locals.

There are unique events and activities

During Naadam, there are three main sporting events held: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These competitions showcase the strength, agility, and skill of the participants, making for an exciting and unique experience for both locals and visitors alike.

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