Mongolia National Day

Mongolia National Day

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  1. 1206Temujin proclaimed Chinggis Khan and Mongol Empire begins
  2. 1921People's Revolution establishes modern Mongolian statehood
  3. 1990Democratic revolution ends one-party communist rule

The story behind the day

11 July marks the start of Naadam and commemorates Mongolia's 1921 People's Revolution, which established modern Mongolian statehood with Soviet backing. The date sits on top of a much older national memory reaching back to Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire.

The day became Mongolia's central national celebration because Naadam turns state history into public sport and nomadic culture. Wrestling, horse racing and archery are called the three manly games, though women now compete in archery and girls in horse racing.

Today Naadam opens with a major ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, with dancers, athletes, soldiers, flags and horsemen. Visitors see deel robes, throat singing, horse culture, wrestling titles and a celebration that feels both ancient and modern.

Across Mongolia, Naadam is local as well as national. Provinces hold their own games, families eat khuushuur, drink airag, visit relatives and spend long summer days around stadiums, steppe camps and horses.

  1. 202611 July 2026 · Saturday
  2. 202711 July 2027 · Sunday
  3. 202811 July 2028 · Tuesday
The Mongolian flag
Mongolia flag

The Mongolian flag has red-blue-red vertical bands with the golden Soyombo symbol on the hoist. Blue represents the eternal sky, red progress and prosperity, and the Soyombo combines fire, sun, moon, earth, water and yin-yang elements as a historic emblem of Mongolian identity.

Mongolian celebration food is pastoral and meat-heavy, with mutton, dairy, fried dough, noodles and fermented mare's milk tied to Naadam and summer gatherings.

What to eat

KhuushuurFried meat pastries eaten in huge numbers during Naadam.
BuuzSteamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onion.
BoodogGoat or marmot cooked with hot stones, a dramatic countryside dish.
TsuivanFried noodles with meat and vegetables, filling and practical.
KhorkhogMutton cooked with hot stones in a sealed container.
AaruulDried curd snacks made from fermented milk.

What to drink

AiragFermented mare's milk, essential to summer hospitality.
Suutei tsaiSalty milk tea served throughout the day.
ArkhiDistilled milk spirit used in traditional toasts.
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Mongolia culture

Mongolian culture is inseparable from horses, steppe life, Chinggis Khan memory, Buddhism, throat singing, felt homes and the Naadam games.

Naadam wrestlingWrestlers compete in open tournaments with eagle-like ceremonial gestures.
Horse racingChild jockeys race across long steppe distances during Naadam.
ArcheryTraditional archery links sport, history and ceremonial dress.
Ger campsFelt tents remain symbols of mobility, family and hospitality.