The Naadam Festival

July 12th is the Mongolian national day which is celebrated throughout the country. The most popular sports of the Mongols are still the same as they were during the time of the Huns and Genghis Khan. These are Mongolian style Wrestling, Horse Racing and Archery. Since time immemorial the Mongols have competed in these "three manly games", all of which were necessary to develop skills for Mongolian warriors. After the democratization of Mongolia, traditions of the past have become even more important and more pronounced. Today, more Naadams are being held. Small regional Naadams are celebrated as well. And at other more traditional timings according to the Lunar calendar.