On Tuesday, 30 June 2015, His Excellency Mongolia’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, Head of Mission to the EU, Davaadorj Khishigdelger, hosted a reception at the Warwick Barsey Hotel in Brussels to fête Mongolian freedom from Chinese rule in 1921. The actual date for the commemoration in Mongolia is 11 July. The elimination of Chinese dominance is celebrated with the “Naadam Festival” running from July11 – 13 annually.
The Naadam, typically is a three-day long festival. It is held primarily in the Naadam Stadium located in the city of Ulaan Baatar. The festival begins with a vibrant ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square, and is followed by a parade set to the traditional Mongolian music.
A number of sporting events are held. The wrestling, archery, and horse-riding competitions are much awaited and bring the victors much fame. While wrestling and archery are held in the Naadam Stadium, the horse riding takes place in Yarmag village. Sporting events are held on a national level and at a regional level as well. Traditional Mongolian food such as khuushuur – (deep fried meat dumplings) is served all over the country and food form an integral part of the celebrations.
Historical background
In 1691 the Manchu tribes who founded the Qing Dynasty in China gained control over Mongolia. After the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911 Mongolia declared its independence. The Chinese, nevertheless, did not recognize its independence until 1921; when Mongolia declared victory over China with Russian support. Fearing Chinese domination, Soviet Russia quickly instated a communist government in Mongolia. Today, Naadam festival marks this historic moment. The Independence Day of Mongolia marks the occasion of the proclamation of its first constitution in 1924, which led to the establishment of Mongolian People’s Republic.
For more information:
Mongolia Tourism: www.voyage-mongolie. com/contact/