While the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot might dominate equestrian headlines， the world hosts an astonishing array of lesser-known horse festivals that celebrate these magnificent animals in culturally unique ways.
美国肯塔基德比和英国皇家阿斯科特赛马会这些顶级盛会可能占据着马圈节庆的头版头条，但世界上还有许多地方举办小众的马文化节庆，用各具文化特色的方式来礼赞马儿这一非凡的生灵。
From the frigid1 Mongolian steppes to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines， communities have forged profound bonds with horses that manifest in vibrant celebrations combining sport， spirituality， and centuries of tradition. These festivals often remain hidden gems to international travelers， yet they offer authentic windows into how different cultures honor the ancient partnership between humans and horses.
从寒冷的蒙古草原到阳光普照的地中海海岸，人们与马儿结下了深厚的情谊——这样的情谊在融合了体育、信仰和数百年传统的喧闹庆典上得以彰显。这些节庆对于境外游客来说往往是隐秘的瑰宝，而它们打开了一扇扇窗，让人们真切领略到不同的文化如何尊崇人与马之间源远流长的伙伴关系。
Join us on a global journey to discover the most fascinating equestrian celebrations you’ve likely never encountered—events where horses aren’t merely animals but cultural treasures carrying the weight of history， identity， and community pride.
让我们共同开启一段全球之旅吧，对那些少人听闻的马圈盛会一探究竟。在这些节庆中，马儿不仅仅是动物，更是承载着历史记忆、身份认同和族群荣誉感的文化瑰宝。
Naadam Festival： Mongolia’s ancient three games
那达慕大会：蒙古的传统三艺盛典
Deep in the vast Mongolian steppes， the Naadam Festival showcases the extraordinary horse-riding culture that once powered Genghis Khan’s empire. Dating back to the 13th century， this UNESCO-recognized celebration features the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling， archery， and most spectacularly， horse racing.
在广袤无垠的蒙古草原深处，那达慕大会展现了精彩绝伦的马背文化，这一文化曾推动成吉思汗帝国崛起。那达慕大会是联合国教科文组织认证的节庆，最早可追溯至13世纪，以“男儿三艺”——摔跤、射箭和最引人入胜的赛马——为核心竞技项目。
Unlike Western races， Naadam’s cross-country competitions stretch between 15-30 kilometers across rugged terrain， with children as young as five or six serving as jockeys—a tradition honoring the historical necessity for all Mongolians to ride from an early age. The festival’s horse races， particularly the Soyolon （two-year-old horse race）， draw thousands of spectators who gather to witness these young riders command their mounts without saddles while singing traditional victory songs called gingoo2.
与西方赛马不同，那达慕的越野赛程长达15至30公里，沿途地形崎岖，参赛骑手为孩童，最小的只有五六岁——这一传统比试是为了纪念蒙古人必须自幼习骑的历史习性。大会的赛马项目，尤其是索约隆赛马（两岁马的越野赛），会吸引成千上万的观众前来观看，共同见证这些小骑手吟唱着传统胜利歌谣“骏马赞”无鞍驾马飞奔的风采。
Visitors are often astonished to witness the deep spiritual connection Mongolians maintain with their horses， including pre-race rituals where fermented mare’s milk is sprinkled over the animals for good fortune.
游客常常会为蒙古人与马儿之间深厚的信仰联结所震撼，比如人们会在赛前仪式中向马儿泼洒发酵马奶以祈求好运。
El Rocío Pilgrimage： Spain’s equestrian spiritual journey
埃尔罗西奥朝圣节：西班牙的马背灵魂之旅
Each spring in Andalusia， southern Spain comes alive with one of Europe’s largest and most visually striking equestrian gatherings that remains virtually unknown to most international tourists.
每年春季，西班牙南部的安达卢西亚地区都会因举办一场欧洲规模最大、视觉冲击力最强的马圈集会而热闹非凡，不过这场集会几乎不为大多数境外游客所知。
The El Rocío Pilgrimage draws nearly a million participants who travel to the village of El Rocío， many on horseback dressed in traditional flamenco attire， creating a mesmerizing sea of color against the dusty landscape. The pilgrimage centers around devotion to the Virgin of El Rocío， with participants forming brotherhoods called “hermandades”3 that journey together on elaborately decorated horse-drawn carriages and mounted steeds. The equestrian element isn’t merely transportation but integral to the pilgrimage’s essence， with magnificent Andalusian horses performing elaborate dances called “doma vaquera”4 during celebration breaks.
埃尔罗西奥朝圣节往往会吸引近百万参与者，很多人身着传统弗拉门戈服饰骑马前往埃尔罗西奥村，在尘土飞扬中形成一片迷人的彩色海洋。
