Carrousel of Nations wrapped up its second and final weekend on June 21, 2016, with visitors exploring 42 cultural villages across Windsor and Essex County. The festival, organized by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, is the oldest cultural festival in Ontario and the longest-running in the region at 51 years.
Mexican Village in Leamington
Leamington hosted a Mexican Village on Mill Street in the downtown core, where revellers danced to lively music and sampled authentic tacos and Mexican ice cream. The festive atmosphere featured colourful banners, sombreros, and decorative selfie frames.
Gracila Olivera welcomed visitors to the Consulate of Mexico booth, joined by head consul Rodrigo Baez. Baez highlighted the promotion of authentic Mexican cuisine, noting that Mexican cuisine is one of only four recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Authentic Cuisine and Cultural Promotion
Baez explained that local restaurants are encouraged to provide information on their offerings, recipes, and the experience of their cooks to the Mexican Gastronomy Academy for evaluation. If qualified, restaurants receive an M seal to display, signaling authentic Mexican food.
Pablo Garcia, owner of La Mexicana, sold handmade Mexican ceramics, including skulls traditionally displayed for the Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos holiday, which honors deceased loved ones.
Record Participation and Awards
Carrousel of Nations featured a record 42 villages representing countries such as Afghanistan, Romania, Ireland, Greece, Cambodia, and Brazil. The festival has been named best festival and event by Attractions Ontario for the last three years, beating out roughly 2,000 events across the province.
