GLAM/Newsletter/March 2026/Contents/Brazil report

This Month in GLAM – Volume XVI, Issue III, March 2026

Brazil report

Wiki Loves Folklore Brazil defines six categories to represent Brazilian culture on Commons

Wiki Loves Folklore - Brazil

The Wiki Loves Folklore contest in Brazil, held between February 9th and March 9th, has established itself in its 4th edition as a fundamental initiative for strengthening the presence of Brazilian intangible culture within Wikimedia projects. The contest was organized to document traditions, festivals, cuisine, and various cultural expressions from the north to the south of the country, and counted with the support of the foto.wiki.br community. The event mobilized audiovisual professionals and enthusiasts who contributed to the digital preservation of Brazilian cultural heritage.

Organizing photography contests has the potential to be an effective strategy for encouraging the documentation and appreciation of popular culture by expanding the collection of images available on free knowledge platforms, such as Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. In light of this, choosing the appropriate infrastructure for each contest is an essential factor in ensuring the efficiency, accessibility, and transparency of the process. This also encompasses dimensions such as effectiveness, engagement, social impact, and representativeness, as well as legal issues and evaluation mechanisms.

The infrastructure of the contest has evolved significantly over these four editions. Modifications in different stages of the workflow, including preparation, execution, and wrap-up, were made aiming to improve the experience for organizers, participants, and the jury.

Across 6 thematic categories, the contest totaled more than 1,000 new digital objects—including photos, videos, and audio files—on Wikimedia Commons.

Brazilian Cuisine - 146 new media files

This category recorded typical dishes, ingredients, preparation techniques, culinary utensils, and moments of communion at the table that represent Brazil's gastronomic diversity.

The dried shrimp of Raposa (MA) by João Maria Bezerra
Cocoa Caipirinha by MPMrocha
Cocoa - The Gold of Gandu by Lucrilhas

Dances, Festivals, and Music - 394 new media files

This category recorded musical and dance artistic expressions, including traditional manifestations, regional festivals, musical instruments, and performances that capture Brazil's cultural richness.

The Block of Saudade at Recife Carnival by Hansfotos
Unidos do Barro Preto - Block in 2019 by Rkieferbaum
Afro Dance Dancer by Thyaggoh90

People, Knowledge, and Activities - 189 new media files

This category documents traditional trades, handicrafts, popular wisdom, artisans at work, and daily practices that preserve and promote local cultural knowledge.

Making and Maintaining a Fishing Net at Raposa (MA) by João Maria Bezerra
Sisal Doll in Production by Lucrilhas
Renaissance Lace by Fios de Poção

Clothing and Costumes - 62 new media files

This category records traditional clothing, regional festival costumes, typical attire from different cultural groups, and costumes representative of Brazilian cultural diversity.

Cowboy at Vale do Jaguaribe by Negrosoousa
"É de Malê que eu vou" by JUCILENE SACRAMENTO DOS SANTOS
"Caretas de Açoite" by Negrosoousa

Traditions, Rituals, and Oral Expressions - 187 new media files

This category records ceremonies, religious rituals, traditional cultural practices, storytellers, and manifestations that represent Brazilian intangible heritage.

Contemplating the past to preserve the present by Nalberth6.1
Flowers to "Marujada de São Joaquim" by Eduardowcesar
"Pega de Boi" by Negrosoousa

Performing Arts - 22 new media files

This category records theatrical performances, regional scenic manifestations, popular theater groups, artists on stage, and artistic expressions that represent Brazilian theatricality.

Living statue in the Liberdade neighborhood of São Paulo by João Victor Salgado Latini
Contemporary dance and theater show in São Luís (MA) by João Maria Bezerra
Persephone - Tempero D'Alma Company by Racdias

The official results of the contest will be released on the upcoming 15th.

New GLAMs and Culture Manager

Hello to all readers, my name is Henrique Godinho, and I will be the new GLAMs and Culture Manager for Wikimedia Brasil. It will be an enormous pleasure to participate in this journey of free knowledge with you! I hold a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts with a specialization in Communication and Digital Design, a Master's degree in Knowledge Organization, and I am currently pursuing an MBA in Software Engineering. I have over a decade of experience at the intersection of Culture, Art, and Technology, assisting Museums and Memory Institutions in managing and disseminating their knowledge.

I hope to contribute significantly to the dissemination of Brazilian cultural heritage!

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