The 16 Tumen Camel Festival

What’s included in The 16 Tumen Camel Festival

  • Camel
  • Racing

March 5, 6, and 7

  • March 5, 6, and 7
  • 3 days
  • 2 nights

Introduction

The “16 Tumen Camel Festival”, or “160,000 Camel Festival,” is a camel celebration held in the Umnugovi Province of Mongolia. This festival commemorates the fact that the number of camels in Mongolia has reached 160,000 (16 tumen), making it a significant event for local camel herders and nomadic communities.

    • Purpose of the Festival:
    • Preserving and increasing the camel population: The primary goal is to promote the growth of camel herds, encourage herders, and preserve the culture and traditions of camel husbandry.
    • Preserving cultural heritage: The festival aims to educate younger generations about the importance and use of camels and to promote the traditional nomadic lifestyle.
    • Attracting tourists: The camel festival is one of the key events that attracts many tourists, providing economic opportunities for local communities.
    • Main Events:
    • Camel Racing: The highlight of the festival is a camel race where fast camels compete, showcasing the skills of young riders and the speed and strength of the camels.
    • Camel Polo: Similar to horse polo, this sport is played on camels and is a crowd favorite.
    • Camel Beauty Contest: A competition that judges camels based on their beauty and physical traits such as skin, leg length, and overall symmetry.
    • Traditional Games and Performances: Various cultural activities related to camels, including camel-themed folk songs, dances, and camel wool weaving demonstrations.
    • History and Significance:
    • Umnugovi Province has the largest camel population in Mongolia. Efforts to increase and protect camel herds have been ongoing in this region for a long time, and celebrating the 160,000 camels has become a significant cultural event for the local population. The festival not only highlights the growth of Mongolia’s camel herds but also provides an opportunity for herders to share their knowledge and expertise.
    • Camels are not only used for transportation and carrying goods but also represent an important economic and cultural asset for Mongolians, a fact reinforced by the celebration of this festival.

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