Wikipedia Day

Wikipedia Day marks the anniversary of Wikipedia's founding on or around January 15 each year. Editors, fans, and newcomers gather worldwide to share cake, discuss their contributions, and celebrate the ideals of free knowledge and collaboration.

• Celebrates Wikipedia's founding on January 15, 2001
• Events are held worldwide and online by volunteers
• Birthday cake is a common feature at gatherings
• Open to everyone, including newcomers
• Often combined with Creative Commons and Public Domain Day

What it is

Wikipedia Day is an annual celebration of the founding of Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia built by volunteers from around the globe. On or near January 15, people who contribute to or support Wikipedia come together in their local communities to mark the site's birthday. The event is a chance to reflect on the past year’s achievements, welcome newcomers, and discuss the future of open knowledge. For many, it is a joyful occasion to connect with others who share a passion for freely sharing information and learning.

Where it comes from

Wikipedia Day commemorates the launch of Wikipedia on January 15, 2001, when the site was first edited. The date also coincides with the registration of the Creative Commons website, whose open copyright system underpins much of Wikipedia's content. Over the years, Wikipedia Day has grown from a simple anniversary to a global tradition, with gatherings held in many cities and online. The day also often overlaps with celebrations of Creative Commons and Public Domain Day, all highlighting the ideals of free and open access to information.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations are informal and community-driven, with anyone welcome to host or attend an event. Typical activities include sharing stories about editing Wikipedia, discussing plans for future contributions, and offering training sessions for newcomers. Socializing is a key part of the day, often accompanied by a birthday cake to mark the occasion. Some gatherings are small and local, while others attract larger crowds or take place online, making it easy for people everywhere to join in. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, focused on collaboration and the joy of learning together.

Joining in

Anyone interested in Wikipedia can take part in Wikipedia Day, whether as a seasoned editor or a curious newcomer. Events are held in cities around the world and online, so you can join a local meetup or participate virtually. Expect a welcoming environment where you can meet others, share your experiences, and maybe even learn how to start editing. Check for events in your area or consider hosting your own gathering—no special permission is needed.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Wikipedia:Wikipedia Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Wikipedia:Wikipedia Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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