Carrousel of Nations to have two villages in Amherstburg

Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, joined by other county council members, speaks at the official launch of the Carrousel of Nations last Wednesday morning. Two villages will be in Amherstburg.

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) has announced the launch of the 51st annual Carrousel of the Nations, which they say is one of Ontario’s premier cultural festivals and a kickoff to the summer festival season in Windsor and Essex County.

Celebrated as an award-winning cultural event, the MCC states the Carrousel of the Nations continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s vibrant community, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors each year to experience the rich diversity that defines Windsor-Essex.

The 2026 festival will feature 42 cultural villages located throughout Windsor and Essex County, offering authentic food, entertainment, music, dance, art, and traditions from around the world with two of those villages being located this year in Amherstburg. 

Carrousel of the Nations 2026 will take place over two weekends with the first one being June 12-14 and the second from June 19-21.

The Brazilian Village will be held June 12-14 as part of Open Air Weekends in the downtown core. The Irish Village will be held both June 12-14 and June 19-21 at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co., located at 8728 Howard Ave. (County Road 9).

The MCC says the “event provides attendees with a unique opportunity to explore cultures and customs they may not otherwise encounter while celebrating diversity and multiculturalism across the region.”

The Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex Council credits “the dedication of thousands of volunteers, participating cultural villages, and the valued support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Municipality of Leamington. Through programs such as Canada’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage initiative, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and Experience Ontario, the festival has been able to expand the number of participating villages and enhance promotional efforts to attract more visitors to the region. These initiatives help create opportunities for attendees to experience the area’s diverse cultural villages firsthand.”

“As one of the longest running festivals in Windsor and oldest cultural festivals in Ontario, Carrousel of the Nations reflects the heart of our community,” said MCC executive director Fred Francis. “For more than five decades, this festival has brought people together through culture, understanding, and celebration, showcasing the incredible diversity that makes Windsor and Essex County so special.”

Many of the Carrousel villages are in Windsor, but other county stops include the Dutch village June 13-14 at 86 Wigle Ave. in Kingsville, the German village at 447 Highway 77 North in Leamington June 13, the Italian village June 12-13 at 19 Seacliff Cr. E. in Leamington, the Latino village at 19 Seacliff Dr. E. in Leamington June 13-14 and June 20, the Lebanese village at 447 Highway 77 East in Leamington June 12, the Mexican village on Mill St. in Leamington June 21, the Portuguese village at 217 Talbot St. West in Leamington June 13 and the Polish Beach village at the Polish Beach Club June 12-14 at 697 Fox Pl. near Colchester.

For festival updates, schedules, and village information, visit the 

Carrousel of the Nations website at www.carrouselofnations.com.

Carrousel of Nations to have two villages in Amherstburg

By RTT Staff