The Naadam festival is Mongolia's only big event, occurring every year, usually between the 11th and 13th of July. It is a national festival, with celebrations in almost every major town. The most impressive celebration is usually in Ulaan Baatar (Mongolia's capital). The main parts of the festival are tests of courage, strength and daring through the three traditional sports of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. There is also a celebration of traditional foods and folk dancing, accompanied by cymbals, horns, and drums.

The contests begin after a parade by all the sports participants, the singing of the traditional hymn, Tumnii Ekh, and the chanting of the Buddhist mantra, Giingoo, to help focus the athletes. The wrestling contest can involve up to 500 men (women are forbidden to enter), and is arranged into a knock out competition. Competitors must wear the traditional wrestling outfit of knee...