CULTURE-SPORTS-TOURISM

Naamdam - Festival of Warriors

Starting centuries ago, Eriyn Gurvan Naadam Festival or Naadam for short is the biggest festival ever held in Ulan Bator as well as across Mongolia.

In Mongolian, “eriyn gurvan naadam” means “three sports for men”. Therefore, Naadam is an occasion to honor three traditional sports including wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Besides, there are some unofficial competitions like drinking “airag” – a type of wine which was made from fermented milk of female horses, favored by the Mongolian. Except for “drinking competition”, the rest of the games more or less are related to the practice of mystical beliefs to show respect to the gods of the mountains.

In these sport games, perhaps horse racing is the most authentic and loved by the public. Horses are associated with the nomadic life of the Mongols as a means of transport, livelihood as well as beloved cattle. That’s why horse racing is a way for Mongolians to show their respect to horses. During 3 days of the festival, about 1000 racing horses were gathered and controlled by 5 to 13-year-old jockeys.

          The competition started with the riders’ songs to comfort the horses. Meanwhile, the horses would have their teeth checked for age and categories identification. After the speed racing part throughout the grassland to the West of the city, the winner called Tummy Ekh would be honored with a song. Losers would also receive a short one for consolation and to wish for their winning in the following year.

Cuba’s Cigar Festival

Every Febuary, cigar enthusiasts gather in Cuba’s capial, La Habana, for the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the famous cigar festival. This is also Cuba’s most anticipated festival in a year. All visitors come here with the purpose of enjoying the finest and entirely handmade cigars, they also hope to learn the characteristics of Cuban culture.

With a history of more than 500 years, Cuban cigars still retains its strong attraction for tourist around the world. The cigars have gradually become a symbol of Cuban culture to the whole world. Cuba’s cigars are recognized as the world’s number one for the quality and the hard work of the makers. They are honored as artisans and the wrapping of cigars would be an art.

Rath Yatra – Chariot Festival in India

Although the time of the festival usually falls in rainy season, Hindus still flood Bada Danda, the main street of Puri (India) to worship Lord Jagannath. Potraits of Lord Krishma with his Lord Jagannath’s brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are carried on three gigantic richly decorated chariots which look like moveable pagodas from the main temple to the garden of Lord Jagannath where the Lords will have their stay in a week. Hindus believe that the festival is organized to welcome the return of Lord Kishma after his exile and thus, it is an invaluable religious experience for thousands of participants.

Carnival – Venice, Italy

Originating from the habit of masks wearing and socializing in festivals to which the nobility of the city had long been accustomed, the Carnival in Venice was formed and gradually became one of the highlights of Italy since the 18^th century to the present day.

Every year, the Carnival is held for about 10 days between January and Febuary. The participants often go for costumes, wigs and masks inspired by the 17^th century aesthetic. You would also have a chance to admire the works of art displayed around the famous square, streets and canals of this magical city.

Camel Cup – Camel Racing in Australia

Deserted town far on the borderlines in Australia usually give off a feeling of remoteness and coldness. Yet, in the mid - July, the town named Alice is bursting with belly dance performances, bands, hand - pulling carts and more importantly, camel races.

Camel racing sounds strange for those who are unfamiliar with the isolated territory in the North Australia. What makes camel races attractive lies in unpredictable traits of camel. Gentle – looking camels can bite and spit as far as 3 meters. The camels sometimes lose their sense of direction once the race starts, which gives their riders difficulties to control and when they brake into a sprint, the riders would have a hard time keeping themselves on the animals’ back.  

Another humorous race with a name Honeymoon Handicap is also among the most anticipated contests in this event. Camels carrying the bride-to-be would be seen running halfway around the grandstand before the “brides” pick up and pass the bridle to their “grooms” to finish the race. If any couple feels confident about their winning opportunity, they can test their lucks in “Miss & Mr Camel Cup Challenge”.

Compiled by Nam Anh

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