Windsor-Essex's annual celebration of its multicultural diversity has again received top honours.
Carrousel of the Nations, which offers visitors a chance to experience a multitude of cultures close to home, has been named by Attractions Ontario as the Top Festival and Event for 2024. This is the second straight year the Carrousel has been recognized this way.
The honour is one of the 2024 Ontario’s Choice Award Winners and is a "people's choice" award voted on by consumers.
"It’s an incredible honor to be named the Top Festival & Event in Ontario for a second consecutive year," said Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County Executive Director Fred Francis. "We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for our festival, as well as to the individual cultural villages and the dedicated volunteers who make it possible year after year. We are also grateful to the people of Windsor-Essex for their enthusiastic support. We are fortunate to live in such a culturally diverse region that is welcoming to all."
The Carrousel, held over two weekends in June, showcased 30 cultures in Windsor and Essex County. The 2024 edition featured seven new "villages", which were the Canadian, Middle Eastern, and Persian in Windsor; the Macedonian in Maidstone, the Portuguese and Mexican in Leamington, and the Dutch in Kingsville.
The 2025 Carrousel marks the event's 50th anniversary.
-with files from Adelle Loiselle