Mongolia’s annual Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. The Naadam Festival is the time of year in Mongolia when everyone gets together to show off their skills and compete in different events: wrestling, horse racing, archery and ankle-bone shooting. This annual celebration is so important to Mongolia and to the world that the Naadam Festival is designated a part of UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
This festival is like Christmas to the Mongolian people. It’s the time of the year that they most look forward to. Every village and town has a Naadam Festival of some sort and everyone dresses in their finest Mongolian attire, prepares lots of food and arak (fermented mare’s milk) and spends the days out in the sun with friends and family.
This Mongolian merchant with his toddler and a baby eagle.
As early as toddler like this boy is already taught on how to handle a baby eagle
The festival was also like a small fair. Local people came from all over the province to either participate in the events, to sell food and toys, or to run small carnival games for children.
Like me, if you don’t want to immerse yourself watching sports all the time, there’s plenty to see and do outside – food, music, crafts or just watching people and culture. This is the best time to see the
Mongolian people and soak up the party atmosphere or do some shopping for souvenir or just look around of the things their culture used in their daily life!
See behind the scene in shopping market Fair during Naadam Festival.
Traditional wall hanging handicraft like this would take local Mongolian woman several months to finish
Handcrafted wares of local artisans.
I found cheaper to buy souvenir during fair market compared to the tourist shop. But be prepared to haggle.
Naadam Festival is not only a cultural sports feast but also a place if you’re looking to buy for cheap real cashmere and fur products or locals handicrafts.
My favourite part of travelling is shopping or looking around what is available. My photo below trying to try in different Mongolian fur hat what would I look. Just trying in to see and took selfies.
This leather fur hat is the winner. I bought this and I am happy. Did I ever had the chance to use it again in Melbourne? No, but I am happy with this souvenir. And it keep my head very warm during my stay in the very cold freezing weather of Mongolia.
