Independence Day in Mongolia

Independence Day is an official state holiday in Mongolia and is observed every year on the 29th of December. This holiday marks the country’s independence from Qing China in December 1911, and it has been celebrated since 2011.

On this day, concerts and parades are held all over the country, and friends and family gather to celebrate the day with one another. At the end of this holiday, there are also fireworks celebrations for people to enjoy. It’s a day for all Mongolians to come together and celebrate the freedoms they enjoy.

The History of Independence Day in Mongolia

Outer Mongolia had traditionally been a territory of the Chinese Qing Dynasty since the end of the 17th century. This remained so until a movement for Mongolian independence began to form in the country at the start of the 20th century. This was mainly due to the push by the Qing Dynasty to make the Mongolian identity more like that of mainland China.

At the same time, the Xinhai Revolution led to the Qing Dynasty being overthrown, and the Republic of China was born. Mongolia seized on the turmoil and on December 29, 1911, declared itself independent from China.

Although the Chinese did invade Mongolia in 1919, they were ousted by the Mongolians in 1921. In 2011, on the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Declaration of Independence, Independence Day was declared a national holiday and has been ever since.

Observing Independence Day in Mongolia

Besides parades, parties, and concerts held across Mongolia, Independence Day is also celebrated with food. Mongolians gather with loved ones and enjoy some traditional Mongolian dishes. This includes a deep-fried meat pie known as Huushuur, dumplings known as Buuz, and Chanasan Makh—boiled, salted meat.

Of course, traditional Mongolian BBQ called Khorkhog is also enjoyed, as well as grilled goat or marmot. It’s a holiday on which everyone can celebrate their freedom from China with friends, family members, and countrymen. To spread the word about this holiday, people can use the hashtag #IndependenceDayMongolia on their social media accounts.

Where is it celebrated?
Mongolia (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
December 29 Sunday
Next year (2025)
December 29 Monday
Last year (2023)
December 29 Friday