02:54The opening ceremony for the Naadam festival - a traditional Mongolian games - was held at Ulaanbaatar's Central Stadium on Thursday.
Footage shows costumed performers on horseback galloping through the arena, while performers danced, sang, and reenacted historical scenes for thousands of spectators in the stands. The video also captured the country's president, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, delivering a speech.
One participant, Cerenchimid Baigalmaa, said Naadam was 'the most favourite holiday' for her family and for the entire nation.
Local resident Bold Bolormaa noted the transformation of the Central Stadium following its recent reconstruction.
"The opening of Naadam itself was wonderful. Every year, the whole family widely celebrates this holiday. I wish all the residents and guests of the capital a wonderful celebration of the Naadam national festival, and let every day be as happy as it is today," she added.
Naadam traditionally features Mongolian wrestling - 'Buhe barildaan'- archery, and horse racing. The festival is included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is celebrated annually from July 11-15.
The holiday commemorates three major milestones in Mongolia's history: the formation of the Hunnu Empire (220 BC), the establishment of the Great Mongolian State by Genghis Khan (1206), and the People's Revolution of 1921.
Let the games begin! Naadam festival kicks off with grand opening ceremony in Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar
The opening ceremony for the Naadam festival - a traditional Mongolian games - was held at Ulaanbaatar's Central Stadium on Thursday.
Footage shows costumed performers on horseback galloping through the arena, while performers danced, sang, and reenacted historical scenes for thousands of spectators in the stands. The video also captured the country's president, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, delivering a speech.
One participant, Cerenchimid Baigalmaa, said Naadam was 'the most favourite holiday' for her family and for the entire nation.
Local resident Bold Bolormaa noted the transformation of the Central Stadium following its recent reconstruction.
"The opening of Naadam itself was wonderful. Every year, the whole family widely celebrates this holiday. I wish all the residents and guests of the capital a wonderful celebration of the Naadam national festival, and let every day be as happy as it is today," she added.
Naadam traditionally features Mongolian wrestling - 'Buhe barildaan'- archery, and horse racing. The festival is included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is celebrated annually from July 11-15.
The holiday commemorates three major milestones in Mongolia's history: the formation of the Hunnu Empire (220 BC), the establishment of the Great Mongolian State by Genghis Khan (1206), and the People's Revolution of 1921.
The opening ceremony for the Naadam festival - a traditional Mongolian games - was held at Ulaanbaatar's Central Stadium on Thursday.
Footage shows costumed performers on horseback galloping through the arena, while performers danced, sang, and reenacted historical scenes for thousands of spectators in the stands. The video also captured the country's president, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, delivering a speech.
One participant, Cerenchimid Baigalmaa, said Naadam was 'the most favourite holiday' for her family and for the entire nation.
Local resident Bold Bolormaa noted the transformation of the Central Stadium following its recent reconstruction.
"The opening of Naadam itself was wonderful. Every year, the whole family widely celebrates this holiday. I wish all the residents and guests of the capital a wonderful celebration of the Naadam national festival, and let every day be as happy as it is today," she added.
Naadam traditionally features Mongolian wrestling - 'Buhe barildaan'- archery, and horse racing. The festival is included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is celebrated annually from July 11-15.
The holiday commemorates three major milestones in Mongolia's history: the formation of the Hunnu Empire (220 BC), the establishment of the Great Mongolian State by Genghis Khan (1206), and the People's Revolution of 1921.