Join us for this Annual Festival
The Naadam Festival is the most celebrated national holiday in Mongolia, held annually from July 11 to 13. Often referred to as the “Three Manly Games,” it features wrestling, horse racing, and archery—traditional sports that date back to the time of Genghis Khan and reflect Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and warrior culture. This year's Naadam Festival is scheduled to be celebrated on July 19th, 2025 at Vincent Lugo Park, in the city of San Gabriel. We welcome you to join us to celebrate this festival and experience a small piece of Mongolian rich history.
Key Features of Naadam:
- Wrestling (Bökh): The most prestigious event, where wrestlers compete in elimination rounds. There are no weight classes, and the objective is to make the opponent touch the ground with any body part other than the feet or hands.
- Horse Racing: Unique in that it is a test of endurance for horses, not speed for jockeys. Jockeys are often children aged 5 to 13, and races can stretch up to 30 km across open steppe.
- Archery: Both men and women compete using traditional bows made of wood, horn, and sinew. Archers shoot at rows of small leather rings stacked on the ground.
Cultural Significance:
Naadam is more than a sports event—it's a celebration of Mongolian identity, independence, and history. The modern national Naadam commemorates Mongolia’s 1921 revolution and declaration of independence from Chinese rule.
The festival begins with a grand opening ceremony featuring music, dance, parades, and performances that showcase Mongolia's rich cultural traditions, including colorful costumes and historical reenactments.
