The region's largest celebration of cultural diversity opens on Friday with the 2024 Carrousel of the Nations.
It's an opportunity for those living in Windsor-Essex to taste foods, listen to music, witness the traditions of a new culture, or revisit some favourites from years past.
This year, seven new villages will open. In Windsor, the Canadian, Middle Eastern, and Persian Villages open for the first time. Those curious about Macedonia's traditions can visit the Macedonian Village in Maidstone. Leamington is hosting two new villages featuring Portuguese and Mexican culture, while those curious about the Dutch Village can drive to Kingsville.
Over the next two weekends, the festival will showcase 30 villages, with eight opening on Friday.
On Friday, festival-goers can take their pick of the Bavarian Village on Drouillard Road, the Caribbean Village on Central Avenue, the Greek Village on Walker Road, the Mexican Village on Erie Street East, the Middle Eastern Village on Labelle Street, the Polish Village on Langlois Avenue, and Scottish Village.
The Polish Beach Club Village opens on Fox Place in Colchester.
More villages are open on Saturday and Sunday.
Each village has its own hours of operation, programs and menus. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to visit the festival website before heading out.
The festivities continue the weekend of June 21 to June 23.
2024 marks the Carrousel of the Nations' 49th anniversary, and it was named one of the top 100 events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario.