Naadam Festival

A few weeks ago, we got the privilege of not only watching the The Naadam Festival in Khentii, but we were invited to be a part of the opening ceremonies. We gathered in the center of stadium and joined the parade, the Mongolians went crazy! They do not see many foreigners, let alone 3 American ladies. 

Getting Ready for the Opening Ceremony

Needless to say, we were completely under dressed for this occasion, but we were honored. We were the only foreigners asked to be a part of this parade and celebration. We were later informed by our students that we were on T.V.

 It has been said that Mongolian archers are the best in the world. Both men and women wear traditional costumes and shoot arrows made of willow branches and vulture feathers. The one who hits the target the most times is the winner.

 Mongolian Delicacies...
Fermented Horse Milk & Horse Meat

 I liked the horse races best, we had VIP access. The jockeys are boys and girls (between 5 and 13 years old). The children ride bare back for about 10 to 15 mils depending on the age of the horse.  The children begin    practicing for these races at the age of 3.

Top Right: 12 time World Champion Wrestler and politician.

The last event is  wrestling, which is very different than American wresting. First, there are no weight divisions. A small wrestler can be pitted against someone two times his weight. This can lead to some very interesting matches. Second, there are no time limits. The loser of a match is the wrestler who falls first. A fall is when any part of a wrestlers body, except his hands or feet, touches the ground.