The Carrousel of the Nations, a beloved multicultural festival in Windsor and Essex County, continues to grow, now featuring 42 villages where visitors can immerse themselves in global cultures. Organizers from the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County announced the lineup for the 51st edition on Thursday, highlighting the addition of six new nation villages.
New Villages for 2025
This year's festival, running over two weekends in June, introduces Afghan, Belgian, Cameroonian, Cambodian, Iraqi, and Romanian villages. These join the existing 36 villages, offering authentic cuisine, music, dance, and cultural activities at venues across the region. Last year, the festival expanded into Essex County with new villages, and this year continues that trend with additions in Windsor, Kingsville, and LaSalle.
Award-Winning Festival
Daniel Beliciu, director of operations, program, and development at the multicultural council, noted that the Carrousel of the Nations has been voted Ontario's top festival and event for three consecutive years by Attractions Ontario, a non-profit industry association that selects from about 2,000 festivals annually. “It offers its own unique and vibrant experience, showcasing the traditions, cuisine, music, dance, and heritage that reflect the incredible diversity of our multicultural community,” Beliciu said during a news conference at the Ciociaro Club.
Community Leaders Celebrate Diversity
Leamington Mayor and Essex Warden Hilda MacDonald reflected on how sharing cultural traditions was once uncommon. “My parents were German. We didn't share our culture. We didn't talk about our sandwiches that we brought. I kept mine tucked under the paper. I didn't talk about the traditions in those days,” she said. “We're all interested in knowing about other cultures, about other food, about other traditions. What a long way we have come.”
Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers emphasized the importance of learning about other cultures now more than ever. “No matter what municipality that you live in, no matter what culture you celebrate, colour of your skin, whatever sandwiches you eat at home, it's more important now for us to sit down, break bread, enjoy a drink, and celebrate each other's differences,” he said.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, who worked in Canada's immigration department for 20 years in Toronto, shared an emotional reflection. “In those 20 years, six million people came to make Canada their home,” he told the audience of event organizers, volunteers, and politicians.
Festival Details
The Carrousel of the Nations will take place over two weekends in mid-June, with each village offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes, performances, and hands-on activities that highlight the heritage of Windsor and Essex County's diverse communities. For more information, attendees are encouraged to check the festival's official schedule online.
