Windsor's 51st annual Carrousel of the Nations is set to feature a record number of villages, organizers announced on Thursday. The festival, which runs from June 14 to 23, will showcase 30 cultural villages this year, up from 28 in 2025. Each village will offer authentic cuisine, traditional music, and dance performances representing the diverse communities that call Windsor home.
A Growing Celebration of Diversity
“We are thrilled to present the largest Carrousel in our history,” said Maria Lopez, executive director of the festival. “This year's record number of villages reflects the growing diversity of our region and the enthusiasm of our community to share their heritage.” New villages this year include those representing Ethiopian, Filipino, and Lebanese cultures, among others.
What to Expect
Attendees can explore pavilions set up in community centers, churches, and halls across Windsor. Each village will feature live entertainment, cultural exhibits, and traditional foods. Highlights include the Italian village's pasta-making demonstrations, the Polish village's pierogi cook-off, and the Indian village's Bollywood dance workshops. The festival will also host a multicultural parade on June 16.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Carrousel of the Nations is a major event for Windsor, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, and the festival promotes cross-cultural understanding. “It's a chance for people to travel the world without leaving the city,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We are proud to host such a vibrant celebration of our multicultural heritage.”
Logistics and Accessibility
Shuttle buses will run between villages, and most venues are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support community programs. For a full schedule and list of villages, visit the festival's website.
