About Wiki Loves Folklore

Celebrating the World’s Cultural Tapestry

Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF) is a globally recognized annual media contest dedicated to capturing and preserving the richness of folklore—the heart and soul of cultural heritage. Organized by the Wikimedia community, the initiative bridges art, culture, and technology by encouraging individuals worldwide to document their intangible heritage. This includes festivals, rituals, crafts, traditional attire, and other folklore expressions, all shared freely on Wikimedia Commons.

Our Vision

At Wiki Loves Folklore, we envision a world where every community’s cultural legacy is celebrated, documented, and accessible to everyone. By leveraging the power of free knowledge and open platforms, we aim to safeguard folklore traditions that are often at risk of fading away.

Why We Exist

Folklore is more than stories and rituals; it is the living history of communities. Yet, in a fast-paced, interconnected world, many such traditions face the threat of being lost forever. Wiki Loves Folklore exists to:

Preserve Heritage:  Act as a global archive for endangered folklore traditions.

Promote Awareness:  Highlight the importance of cultural diversity through creative and visual mediums.

Empower Communities:  Give individuals the tools to share their stories and cultural practices with a worldwide audience.

How We Achieve This

Inspire Participation:  Through our competition, we motivate photographers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to capture the vibrancy of folklore.

Foster Accessibility:  All contributions are uploaded under free licenses on Wikimedia Commons, ensuring open access for educational and cultural purposes.

Celebrate Excellence:  Recognizing outstanding entries that best showcase the beauty and diversity of human traditions.

Our Impact

Since its launch in 2019, Wiki Loves Folklore has:

  • Collected 121,512+ of stunning media from over 168 countries.

  • Contributed invaluable visual resources to Wikimedia projects like Wikipedia.

  • Fostered cultural pride and awareness in communities worldwide.

Join Us

Become part of a global movement to honor and preserve the world’s folklore. Whether you are a photographer, cultural historian, or simply someone passionate about heritage, you can:

  • Participate in our competition and showcase your local traditions.
  • Volunteer with us to organize events and spread the word.
  • Collaborate as a partner to amplify our impact.

Connect Us

For inquiries, partnerships, or more information, contact us:

  • Email: support@wikilovesfolklore.org

  • Social Media: 

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