Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

ThuJul 10

Political Flag Day – July 10, 2025

Political Flag Day is commemorated annually on July 10. It’s also known as State Flag Day and is the main state holiday in Mongolia. It’s marked by government-sponsored events such as a military parade and a flag-raising ceremony that takes place on Sükhbaatar Square in the capital of Ulaanbaatar.

History of Political Flag Day

Today’s Mongolian flag is made up of different elements. The blue color stripe represents the sky and the red bands portray the strength of Mongolia. The golden Soyombo symbol is placed on the red area closest to the flagpole. Within the Soyombo, other shapes represent fire, the golden sun and moon on Xiongnu, two triangles, two horizontal rectangles, the yin and yang symbol, and two vertical rectangles. This symbol appears not only on the national flag but it’s considered as a symbol of the Mongolian People’s Army as well.

On June 10, 1945, Mongolian leader Khorloogiin Choibalsan ordered the revision of the provisions in the “Law on the Design and Composition of the State Flag” at the 43rd Meeting of the State Little Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic. Due to this, three Members of Parliament in the State Great Khural passed a law establishing this day in 2008. It was then celebrated the following year in 2009 during President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj’s inauguration.

It’s also a day to celebrate the anniversaries of the Mongol Empire and the Mongolian Statehood, the establishment of the Bogd Khanate in the Qing dynasty, the People’s Revolution of 1921, and the Democratic Revolution of 1990. It coincides with Naadam, a national festival that focuses on the three traditional games of archery, horse racing, and wrestling which begins the next day on July 11.

The main event during the day is the annual military parade of the Mongolian Armed Forces. It’s been held in the southern part of Sükhbaatar Square every year since 2009 and is presided over by the president of Mongolia as their commander in chief.

Political Flag Day timeline

1911
The First Flag

To celebrate the modern Mongolian state, the flag is golden yellow with the ‘Soyombo’ in the middle which is made up of figures of the sun, moon, flame, yin-yang, and bars as well as a lotus flower at the bottom.

1921
The People’s Republic Flag

A communist government changes the flag to red with a golden yellow sun and moon in the top left corner.

1924 — 1940
The Mongolian People’s Republic Flag

The flag is redesigned to have a blue ‘Soyombo’ with an abstract flower in the center of the red banner.

1992
Democracy Flag

The red-blue-red vertical triband remains but the star is removed from the Soyombo.

Political Flag Day FAQs

Are Mongolians Chinese?

Mongols are part of China’s 56 ethnic groups, with several subgroups of Mongol people within such as the Buryat and Dzungar. China is home to a Mongol population of over seven million.

Is Mongolia part of China?

It’s an independent country. Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of China that’s equivalent to a province.

When was the current Mongolian flag adopted?

The Mongolian State Flag was first used on January 12, 1992. However, the official color standards were set on July 8, 2011.

How to Observe Political Flag Day

  1. Display the Mongolian flag

    Show off the Mongolian flag! Plant a small one on your work desk or place one outside your front door.

  2. Make your own Mongolian flag

    Create a miniature version of the flag. Gather some colored paper, scissors, glue, a small bamboo stick, or a single chopstick, and get to work!

  3. Read up on Mongolian history

    Take a deep dive into the origins of this vast, largely unspoiled country. Get to know more about characters like Genghis Khan; there’ll be plenty of action in store for you!

5 Elements Of The Soyombo Explained

  1. Fire

    Fire is a representation of eternal growth and the three tongues of the flame represent the past, present, and future.

  2. Sun and Moon

    This symbolizes the existence of the Mongolian nation for eternity.

  3. Triangles

    The two shapes are the points of an arrow or spear, pointing downwards to show the defeat of enemies.

  4. Horizontal rectangles

    The two shapes lend stability and represent the honesty of the Mongolian people, whether they stand at the top or bottom of society.

  5. Yin yang symbol

    It shows the opposite poles and was once thought to be two fish that symbolized alertness as fish never closed their eyes.

Why Political Flag Day is Important

  1. It shows appreciation for their country

    A nation’s flag symbolizes the country and its citizens. Paying homage to the flag in turn honors the land and the people it represents.

  2. It’s a symbol of national pride

    A country’s flag gives its people an identity. It can help inspire its citizens to contribute to the betterment of our nation.

  3. It gives a sense of belonging

    A country’s flag is a symbol of unity. We are reminded that we share the same set of beliefs and goals under one country.

Political Flag Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 July 10 Thursday
2026 July 10 Friday
2027 July 10 Saturday
2028 July 10 Monday
2029 July 10 Tuesday