‘Unforgettable celebration’ — Windsor Carrousel of the Nations voted top Ontario festival for third straight year

‘Incredibly proud that Ontario’s top festival is located right here in our community of Windsor-Essex.’

Essex County’s Carrousel of the Nations has beat out 2,000 other events across Ontario to take the title of best festival in the province for the third consecutive year.

Attractions Ontario announced this week that the public has chosen Carrousel of the Nations, organized annually by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, as Top Festival and Event in Ontario for 2025.

“We are incredibly proud that Ontario’s top festival is located right here in our community of Windsor-Essex,” said Fred Francis, executive director of the multicultural council.

“To be recognized three years in a row among more than 2,000 festivals across the province is both an extraordinary honour and a historic achievement.”

Attractions Ontario is a non-profit province-wide trade association dedicated to “optimizing attendance” for its member attractions.

For its 10th annual Ontario’s Choice Awards, the association announced the victors this week in eight categories. Votes from the public decide the winners.

The perennially popular Carrousel of the Nations, which marked a 50th anniversary milestone this year, was the only local organization honoured.

“It reflects the hard work of our many cultural villages, the dedication of our volunteers, and the enthusiasm of our community,” said Francis. “Most importantly, it shows that Windsor-Essex is a place where diversity is not only celebrated but showcased on a provincial stage.”

Every year during the festival, thousands of people line up at international villages around the region to experience the food, music, dance, and storytelling of the various cultures that make up the fabric of Essex County.

By Trevor Wilhelm, Windsor Star