Children's Day in Mongolia
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June 1, 2017
June 1st is International Children's Day, celebrated in countless countries around the world, and Mongolia is no exception! It's an extremely important occasion, as it's recognized as a public holiday in the land of the blue sky.
Today is a significant day for every family in the country, as childhood is celebrated (and mothers too). A powerful message for a population relatively small compared to the country's vast size.
Children are already considered a treasure of the Mongolian nation, and this day is an opportunity to honor them in a very special way. June 1st has thus become a public holiday, on par with Naadam, the country's premier national festival.
It's important to note that events are organized throughout the country, not just in the Mongolian capital. Like Ulaanbaatar, other provincial cities invite their residents to gather for concerts, games, and theatrical performances centered on childhood. Vibrant shows create memorable moments for children and their parents—a well-deserved family celebration.
Countless festivities took place across the entire Mongolian capital, notably featuring a grand spectacle in the heart of the city on Sukhbaatar Square, right in front of the Mongolian Parliament. All the major squares and public spaces—including the amusement park, various theaters, cinemas, and the city Governor's office—hosted events in different forms. Games, performances, parades, and workshops in drawing, temporary tattoos, traditional dances and more brought the city of 1.5 million to life.
The central square was particularly crowded, with a beautiful show celebrating childhood, featuring songs and dances rooted in Mongolian traditions and the costumes of the country's various ethnic minorities. Marquees were erected all around the square offering services for children: face painting, temporary tattoos, inflatable trampolines, remote-controlled toy cars for rent, and plenty of balloons and sweets for sale—creating a wonderfully chaotic, festive atmosphere.
The mood was delightful, and it created yet more opportunities for neighbors, families, and friends to gather on this public holiday, all under the benevolent gaze of Genghis Khan!
It's also worth noting that, like the first day of every month, alcohol sales are prohibited in Mongolia—yet as it's also a Mongolian celebration, the city's bars were packed to the rafters with parents on their way out! An intriguingly festive "lead-up" to Children's Day!
But the celebration is also honored in every home, especially for the youngest children, with family gatherings, shared meals, and gifts given to children. It's also worth noting that any young woman or young man in Mongolia who is not yet married and doesn't have children of their own can receive gifts... quite amusing when you're approaching your thirties!
This year in Ulaanbaatar
Countless festivities took place across the entire Mongolian capital, notably featuring a grand spectacle in the heart of the city on Sukhbaatar Square, right in front of the Mongolian Parliament. All the major squares and public spaces—including the amusement park, various theaters, cinemas, and the city Governor's office—hosted events in different forms. Games, performances, parades, and workshops in drawing, temporary tattoos, traditional dances and more brought the city of 1.5 million to life.
The central square was particularly crowded, with a beautiful show celebrating childhood, featuring songs and dances rooted in Mongolian traditions and the costumes of the country's various ethnic minorities. Marquees were erected all around the square offering services for children: face painting, temporary tattoos, inflatable trampolines, remote-controlled toy cars for rent, and plenty of balloons and sweets for sale—creating a wonderfully chaotic, festive atmosphere.
The mood was delightful, and it created yet more opportunities for neighbors, families, and friends to gather on this public holiday, all under the benevolent gaze of Genghis Khan!
It's also worth noting that, like the first day of every month, alcohol sales are prohibited in Mongolia—yet as it's also a Mongolian celebration, the city's bars were packed to the rafters with parents on their way out! An intriguingly festive "lead-up" to Children's Day!
But the celebration is also honored in every home, especially for the youngest children, with family gatherings, shared meals, and gifts given to children. It's also worth noting that any young woman or young man in Mongolia who is not yet married and doesn't have children of their own can receive gifts... quite amusing when you're approaching your thirties!
Charlène Nomadays
An SEO writer from Nomadays' earliest days, now content manager and head of communications, Charlène has championed the adventure from the start with passion and dedication. After spending seven years in Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and meaningful encounters, she strives to convey through her writing a thoughtful, committed, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, every article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.
