Naadam

We went to the Arlington Mongolian Naadam festival today. It was quite an affair. Hundreds of area Mongolians (who knew?) had set up tents along the edge of the soccer field at the nearby community center.

We didn't stay very long. It was extremely hot and sunny and the food line was a mile long. Plus the festival seemed really geared toward Mongolians catching up with other Mongolian friends and we sort of felt like we were crashing someone else's party. Mostly it was just too hot though so we left and went swimming.

The biggest spectacle was traditional wrestling. I think we were there between sessions because this was the best shot I could catch. I did see several wrestlers in the traditional outfits though (i.e. without American shorts underneath). Do yourself a favor, though, and watch some Naadam wrestling on YouTube.