A Glimpse Into Mongolian Culture at the New Winter Festival

Mongolia’s harsh winter might not seem like an ideal time for a festival, but a new event celebrating nomadic culture has captured public interest. Set in a vast park on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, the festival brings together traditional performances, sports, and cuisine. This week-long celebration aims to boost tourism during Mongolia’s coldest months, when temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit).

Despite the extreme weather, visitors eagerly explored the festival grounds. The event featured large, intricately carved ice sculptures that glistened under the winter sun. Colorful ger tents lined the park, each representing different Mongolian provinces and offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

A Celebration of Nomadic Life

The festival highlights Mongolia’s deep-rooted nomadic traditions. Camels and reindeer wandered through the grounds, adding authenticity to the experience. Children laughed as they slid down ice tracks while skilled archers and eagle hunters displayed their talents.

One of the most engaging activities was shagai ice shooting, a traditional game where players aim a puck at animal bones across a frozen surface. Spectators gathered to watch the intense competition, cheering on participants of all ages.

Instagram | npr | Shagai ice shooting brings excitement to nomadic celebrations.

Darkhan Altantsetseg, a local visitor, shared her thoughts on the event. “It’s refreshing to experience a reminder of our rich culture. Everything here feels familiar yet exciting,” she said.

Music and Festivities in Ger Tents

Mongolia’s traditional gers served as cultural hubs throughout the festival. These round tents provided warmth while hosting musical performances, storytelling, and interactive displays.

One particular ger featured a three-piece Kazakh ensemble from Bayan Olgii, Mongolia’s westernmost province. The musicians played folk instruments while guests sipped on warm milk tea. Badein Huatbyek, a performer, noted the uniqueness of their tent. “Visitors are always surprised by how luxurious our ger looks. Unlike most others, it has no central columns, making it more spacious,” he explained.

As the festival coincided with the upcoming Lunar New Year, many gers showcased traditional holiday feasts. Tables were adorned with roasted sheep, decorative biscuit towers, and fermented mare’s milk, known as airag. Elderly women in vibrant robes distributed samples before performing an energetic dance from Mongolia’s western regions.

A throat singer joined the ensemble, delivering an ode to nature, while a percussionist kept rhythm using a string of sheep ankle bones.

Traditional Fashion and Cultural Pride

Instagram | ganulzii_photographer | Traditional Mongolian fashion celebrates cultural pride.

Many festival-goers are dressed in traditional Mongolian attire, wearing luxurious furs and embroidered silk robes. Their elegant outfits reflected national pride, emphasizing the deep connection between clothing and cultural heritage.

Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle remains a defining aspect of its identity. While nearly a quarter of the population still follows a nomadic way of life, rapid urbanization has led many to settle in Ulaanbaatar. Over the past two decades, hundreds of thousands have relocated to the capital, shifting away from their rural roots.

Byambasure, an agroeconomist attending the festival with his daughters, expressed the importance of preserving tradition. “My job keeps me connected to the land, but my children were born and raised in the city. They aren’t as familiar with our customs, so events like this help bridge that gap,” he said.

Reviving Interest in Mongolian Heritage

The festival successfully fosters cultural appreciation among younger generations. Families and visitors actively engage in traditional activities, strengthening their connection to Mongolian history. The event not only entertains but also educates, ensuring that age-old customs remain relevant.

Authorities hope that by promoting tourism during winter, Mongolia can attract more international visitors. With a growing interest in authentic cultural experiences, this festival has the potential to become an annual highlight, showcasing Mongolia’s rich traditions to the world.