Folklorama began in 1970 as a one time multicultural event to celebrate Manitoba's Centennial. It was so successful it has returned every year since then.

In 1970, the festival was only 7 days long with 21 pavilions participating. Since then the festival has grown to two full weeks with 20-plus pavilions open in week 1 and a second set of 20 pavilions running in week 2. Today, the fesitval typically draws about 425,000 pavilion visits plus 15,000 visitors to the Kick-Off event held the night before pavilions open.

Three programs have grown out of the festival's success, each one working to fullfill our mission of "Celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding":

• Folklorama Talent brings multicultural and contemporary performers to special events and conventions throughout the year.
• Folklorama Teachings bring story tellers and performers into schools and daycares.
• Folklorama Travel works to bring both tours and individuals not only to the festival, but to the city of Winnipeg year round.