FESTIVAL OF GUEST NATIONS
Celebrating Migrant Worker Communities and Connecting them with Services and Supports in the Community
The highly anticipated Festival of Guest Nations will be taking place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Seacliff Park in Leamington.
This annual celebration honours the diversity, dedication, and contributions of migrant workers in Essex County recognizing the sacrifices they make to support our communities and local economy.
With more than 20 years of history, the Festival has served as a vital platform for fostering connection, appreciation, and cultural exchange between workers and the broader community.
Last year’s event welcomed over 2,500 participants, who came together to enjoy a full day of music, international cuisine, cultural performances, and opportunities to engage with service providers and community organizations.
This initiative provides newcomers, migrant workers, and families with the opportunity to connect directly with first responders and public service providers including the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.), Leamington Fire Services, Essex-Windsor EMS,Consulate of Mexico in Leamington and representatives from healthcare, mental health, and public safety organizations.
By creating space for these vital interactions, Public Safety Information Day strengthens community trust, enhances access to critical resources, and promotes a greater sense of safety and well-being among migrant workers and residents alike.
The Festival of Guest Nations is a celebration of culture, connection, and community. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, special guests, raffles, prizes, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to engage, learn, and celebrate together.
For the first year Mr. Martin Varela the Chairman of the MWCP will be honored with the Ohtli Award.
The Government of Mexico, through the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IMME), has awarded Martin Varela the Ohtli Award, in recognition of his work supporting the Mexican migrant community in Canada, particularly in Southwestern Ontario, and his strong advocacy for migrants’ rights and their empowerment.
The Ohtli Award, created in 1996, honors Mexicans who have helped Mexican communities abroad. It comprises a silver medal and rosette, and a diploma from IMME. “Ohtli” means “path” in Nahuatl, symbolizing the act of opening roads for others.
Presided by the Consul of Mexico in Leamington, Rodrigo Baez, the Ohtli awarding ceremony will take place on Sunday September 14th, during the Festival of Guest Nations which celebrates, among other, the anniversary of independence of Mexico.
QUICK LINKS:
Migrant Worker Community Program Social Media: https://linktr.ee/mwcp
You can learn more about WE LIP here: https://linktr.ee/windsoressexlip
TeaMWork Project Learn more at: www.workforcewindsoressex.com/teamwork
