The annual Eagle Festival will be held in Mongolia’s far western Bayan-Ulgii province on October 4 and 5. 

The festival was traditionally meant to honor the first day of snow along with the eagles’ first day of hunting for the season. Eagles were trained to hunt for thousands of years in Central Asia. Today, however, trained eagles are only found in Mongolia. 

The festival includes a parade where hunters and their eagles are displayed in the central square. Also, competitions are held in which eagles catch small animals such as fox and hares. 

Performances are held during the festivals and prizes awarded for the fastest eagle, for the best traditional Kazakh dress, and more. 

Officials say some 200 tourists from 14 countries have come to Mongolia to attend the Eagle Festival.