How to Carrousel Like a Local!
Did You Know?
Over a 3 day period, the Polish Village will serve 30,000 Pierogies, 1200 Lbs of Polish Sausage, 9000 Cabbage Rolls and about 600Ib of sauerkraut! And across town the Serbian volunteers will be busy preparing more than 400 cabbage rolls, 1,200 cevaps, 150 lbs of shish kabob, 250 lbs of roasted lamb and 150 lbs of roasted pork!
If you like to eat, be entertained, and celebrate diversity, Carrousel of the Nations is the festival for you! Held over two weekends in June, June 16-18 and 23-25, and featuring 25 villages across Windsor, Colchester and Leamington, the multi-award-winning Carrousel of the Nations is a mainstay of the regionâs summer festival season, celebrating the cultural identities of ethnic groups of Windsor-Essex. The only ethnic and multicultural festival in the region, Carrousel provides residents and visitors with exposure to a wide array of cultures and traditions which they may otherwise never experience.
The event is a coordinated event between the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County and individual ethnic communities to educate and entertain visitors, and to celebrate the rich diversity or our region and our people and if you plan it right it can feel as though you’ve taken a culinary trip around the world without ever leaving Windsor Essex.
For specific Village times and weekends head to carrouselofnations.com
With a bit of planning you can be sure to make the most out of #carrouseling the nations. Here is our suggested itineraries for Windsor & Leamington to make sure you Carrousel Like a Local:
Windsor villages
Friday June 16, 2023
Polish Village @ 5:00 pm
Polish Club Windsor | 1275 Langlois Avenue, Windsor ON, N9A4G2
The Polish Village has participated in the Carrousel of the Nations festival since 1976, and is thrilled to be able to continue to share the richness of Polish culture with the people of Windsor-Essex in person again this year! Hungry Carrouselers can choose from a menu of delicious Polish cuisine, and be entertained by fascinating cultural displays including folk performances by our own Tatry Song and Dance Ensemble. Come out and celebrate Polish culture and traditions while enjoying a taste of authentic Polish hospitality- pass the pierogi please!
Scottish Village @ 7:00 pm
Scottish Club | 1340 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor ON, N8W1B8
Can you hear the bagpipes calling? Thatâs the sound of the Scottish Club of Windsor proudly inviting you to come out and celebrate the spirit of Scotland with them! At the Scottish Village, Carrouselers can discover a taste of Highland hospitality while feasting on authentic Scottish cuisine and taking in terrific traditional dance performances by various cultural dance groups. Between the pipers and pies, youâll think you accidentally woke up on the wrong side of the Atlantic. Music and dance performances nightly. BYOK (bring your own kilt)!
Caribbean Village @ 9:00 pm
Windsor West Indian Association | 2410 Central Avenue, Windsor ON, N8W4J4
Discover a warm island welcome, tropical rhythms, bright colours, rich history, fascinating culture, and delicious cuisine, all Carrousel-long at the Caribbean Village. When it comes to flavour, this village doesnât jerk around- an authentic menu of tasty Caribbean favourites will have your mind (and your stomach) operating on island time. To top it off, Carrouselers will be transported to the tropics by the sounds of Reggae, Calypso, and Soca music performed live by Moses Revolution, while dancing the day away with a rum punch in one hand and a Jamaican patty in the other. Letâs get together and feel alright!
Saturday June 17, 2023
Korean Village @ 12 pm
The Korean Society of Windsor | 506 Irvine Ave. Windsor, ON, N8X 2T2
Experience K POP Dance, Korean Orchestra, Traditional Korean Fan Dance, Korean Foods, other Korean Traditional Play. Be sure to try Kimbap – Korean styled California rolls.
East African Village @ 4 pm
Riverside Sportsmen Club | 10835 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, ON, N8P 1A5
Visit the East African Village to experience the cultures of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. These three east African counties not only share borders – they also share similar cuisines, customs and language. Join us to celebrate and learn about the East African nations while basking in the sun overlooking the lake. A must-try is the “nyama choma”, charcoal roasted beef and chicken.
Greek Village @ 8 pm
Greek Orthodox Community of Windsor | 3052 Walker Road, Windsor ON, N8W3R3
ÎιΝĎĎ ÎŽĎθιĎÎľ (welcome back)! Follow the melodic twang of the Bouzouki and the sweet smells of honey and cinnamon to the Carrousel of the Nations Greek Village. This year, the Greek village is celebrating culture by dishing out kefi (happiness) and loukoumades (honey balls) by the cartload! Youâll think youâve gone to the Greek Isles as you treat your tastebuds to classic dishes like gyro, souvlaki, saganaki, and baklava. The music, dancing, and activities for kids will keep every Carrouseler in the family entertained. Come live a day the Greek way. OPA!
Sunday June 18, 2023
Polish Beach Village Colchester @ 12:00 pm
Polish Beach Club |Â 697 Fox Pl, Colchester ON, N0R 1G0
Celebrate Polish culture while soaking up some sun! For all 6 days of Carrousel, the Polish Beach Village in Colchester will be serving up traditional cuisine like Polish schnitzel, sausages, cabbage rolls, and pierogi, and more! There will be live music and dancing, activities for kids, performances by our local Tatry Song and Dance Ensemble, folk arts and crafts, and cultural displays ongoing throughout the festival as well. Come by for a bite of Polish hospitality (and pierogi) by the beach!
Hungarian Village @ 4:00 pm
Hungarian Cultural Centre | 790 Hanna Street East, Windsor ON, N8X2N6
Discover the vibrancy and excitement of Hungarian culture! At the Hungarian Village, Carrouselers can sit back, relax, and enjoy ongoing folk music and dance ensemble performances while sampling a spread of both sweet and savoury menu selections, including spicy goulash, delicious cabbage rolls, and a fantastic assortment of homemade pastries. We hope youâre Hungary!
Macedonian Village @ 6:00 pm
St. Nicholas Macedonian Centre | 5225 Howard Ave. South, LaSalle, ON N9H 0J2
Travel to the Macedonian Village for an authentic Macedonian experience! Enjoy traditional music and performances while enjoying our incredible cuisine. Don’t miss the Salted Pies – Zelnik (dough filled with feta cheese, leek or spinach)
Friday June 23, 2023
Bavarian Village @ 6:00 pm
Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre | 1367 Drouillard Road, Windsor ON, N8Y2R8
Discover an authentic taste of Bavaria all 6 days of Carrousel at the Bavarian Village! Try a Paulaner beer (imported from Munich and poured by lederhosen and dirndl-clad servers, of course) outside in the huge, newly renovated Bavarian Biergarten, or in the indoor Festhall and Bierkeller. Or munch on a warm, freshly baked pretzel while youâre entertained by live music performances and traditional dancing. For the intellectually inclined, test your knowledge with interactive cultural trivia. See ya lederhosen!
Via Italia Village @ 7:30 pm
Erie Street East (between Howard and Parent)Â |Â 836 Erie Street East, Windsor ON, N9A3Y4
Come out and enjoy the flavours, culture, and heritage of Via Italia and our community! Erie Street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise with 5 who blocks of fun activities, live music, extended patios, and an exciting interactive Italian art exhibit. Carrouselers can take a leisurely lap around Erie Street while being serenaded by strolling Italian musicians, then stop by one of the many trattorias, cafes, and gelaterias lining the street for a taste of authentic Italian hospitality you wonât soon forget. The Italian Village has something for everyone, from A to Ziti.
Saturday June 24, 2023
Mexican Village @ 2:00 pm
Windsor Eats |Â 400 Erie Street East Suite 3, Windsor ON, N9A 3X4
Tijuana know why the Mexican Village is going to guac your world? Carrouselers can discover the vivacious spirit of Mexico while sipping on libations with a Latin flair, and sampling mouthwatering Mexican street eats like juicy birria tacos, elotes, and churros provided by the Rico Taco food truck. Explore the space and snap a pic or two in WindsorEatsâ bright, colourful venue complete with neon signs, a retro van, and an outdoor picnic area where you can enjoy your tacos under the twinkling lights! Night owls will have a blast visiting other villages with fellow Carrouselers on the Friday Night Lights bike ride and Carrousel village-crawl, and the Farm Music Band Association will be providing live Latin music to keep your toes tapping both Saturday nights of the festival! ÂĄVamos!
Indian Village @ 4:00 pm
The City Market | 1030 Walker Road, Windsor ON, N8Y 2N5
Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with a wide variety of dishes that vary from region to region. Indian food from each region has its own identity. Visit the Indian village to sample and enjoy! Local restaurants will provide delish Indian food, while performers entertain for this unique opportunity to experience Indian culture.
German Village @ 7:30 pm
Fogolar Furlan Club | 1800 North Service Road, Windsor ON, N8W1Y3
Get ready for warm German potato salad and even warmer German hospitality! Feast on an assortment of tasty traditional foods like the famous Teutonia schnitzel, sausages, potato salad, pretzels, and other tempting treats, while your eyes and ears are be entertained by fantastic live music provided by the Hetzel Band and cultural youth dance performances. Other Carrousel Villages will be invited to showcase cultural dances as well. Go ahead and have another helping, we wonât schnitzel.
Sunday June 25, 2023
Chinese Village @ 4:00 pm
Essex County Chinese Canadian Association | 1420 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor ON, N8W1C1
Discover an abundance of rich cultural traditions at the Chinese Village, all while enjoying delicious food provided by Sun Hong BBQ & Seafood, and an action-packed program sure to keep any Carrouseler content! Take in the Dragon parade or Lion dance, enjoy a live drumming ensemble, watch Tai Chi, Kung Fu, calligraphy and acupuncture demonstrations, or enjoy folk dance performances by various cultural groups. And donât forget to warm up those pipes, because village goers can also participate in Karaoke both nights of the festival. Be sure to stop by, youâll be crazy abaot it!
Slovak Village @ 6 pm
St. Cyril’s Slovak Centre | 1520 Chandler Rd, Windsor ON, N8Y 4P4
You are cordially invited to visit us at the Slovak Village for an authentic Slovak experience! Come and enjoy our delicious Slovak cuisine, our homemade pastries, our music, singing, dancing and cultural display! ALL ARE WELCOME! For your entertainment, we will have performances by Domovina and Rozmarin, our local Slovak dance groups, as well as other guest groups.
Leamington Villages
Saturday June 24, 2023
Lebanese Village -Leamington @ 3pm
Leamington Lebanese Club | 447 ON-77 North, Leamington ON, N8H3V6
Let your senses discover the sights, sounds, and spices of Lebanon! Open for one day only at the Leamington Lebanese club, this Village is bound to be a bop between the belly dancers, Lebanese buffet, and music to keep you bouncing to the beat all night long! Hungry carrouselers wonât find any shortage of flavour here- the Lebanese Villageâs menu offers a variety of Middle Eastern staples that will satisfy your stomach, but leave your tastebuds wanting more. Habibi there or be square.
German Village -Leamington (Rhine Danube) @ 5pm
Leamington Lebanese Club | 447 ON-77 North, Leamington ON, N8H3V6
Missing out on the new Leamington German Village? That would be the wurst! Just because weâre in the Lebanese Club doesnât mean thereâll be a shortage of authentic German cultural cuisine- you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes like schnitzel, sausages and German pretzels. If you can still move after that, stick around to sway and spin to some German dance music! Come by, youâre in for a mighty Rhine time.
Whether it be through food, folklore, traditional dress or dance, The Carrousel of the Nations certainly celebrates the cultural diversity of Windsor Essex by showcasing the various communities that call our city home. Having amassed more than 50 local, regional, and provincial awards, Carrousel has provided this region with a one-of-a-kind festival to highlight the right traditions right here in our community. So take a few hours out of each day over these two weekends and find yourself exploring what each village has to offer and know that once Carrousel is over, you are likely to be just as welcome to return and continue celebrating not only our diversity but the threads that unite our community as well.
