The Golden Eagle Festival: A celebration of Kazakh culture and tradition

The Golden Eagle Festival is an annual event held in the Western Mongolian province of Bayan-Ölgii, celebrating the hunting tradition of the Kazakh eagle hunters. The festival, which takes place in October, features competitions of eagle hunting skills, as well as traditional Kazakh music, dance, and food. The festival is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people, and to witness the impressive hunting skills of the eagle hunters.

Eagle hunting is an ancient tradition of the Kazakh people, passed down from generation to generation. The hunters use golden eagles, which are trained to hunt small animals such as foxes and hares. The hunters, who are typically men, bond with their eagles from a young age, and the birds are considered to be a part of the family. The hunters and their eagles participate in the festival’s eagle hunting competitions, where they showcase their hunting skills and compete for prizes.

The festival also features traditional Kazakh music and dance, which visitors can enjoy while watching the competitions. The music and dance are an important part of Kazakh culture, and they are performed by both professional and amateur performers. Additionally, there are also traditional Kazakh foods that visitors can try, such as beshbarmak (a dish made of noodles and meat) and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).

The Golden Eagle Festival is not only a celebration of Kazakh culture and tradition, but also an opportunity for visitors to learn about the endangered golden eagle. The festival aims to promote the conservation of the golden eagle, which is a symbol of the Kazakh culture and tradition. The festival organizers work closely with conservation organizations to ensure that the eagles are well taken care of, and that the hunting tradition is practiced sustainably.

The Golden Eagle Festival is a unique and exciting event that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people. The festival is a must-see for anyone interested in eagle hunting, traditional music and dance, and the culture of the Kazakh people. So, if you’re planning a trip to Western Mongolia in October, make sure to check out the Golden Eagle Festival.

Overall, Golden Eagle Festival is a perfect blend of tradition, culture and conservation, it is a great way to experience the nomadic lifestyle and the beauty of the wild west of Mongolia. The festival is a great way to learn about the ancient tradition of eagle hunting and the importance of conservation of endangered golden eagles. The festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of the Kazakh people, and it is an experience that is not to be missed.