Festival of Guest Nations brings Over 2,500 Together in Celebration and Connection
On Sunday, September 14, Seacliff Park in Leamington was the site of a vibrant and meaningful gathering as the Festival of Guest Nations welcomed more than 2,500 attendees for a day of celebration, cultural pride, and community engagement.
This year, in celebration of the outstanding community collaborations that have happened in Essex County in recent years, the festival was organized by the Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) in collaboration with the Teamwork Project, Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership (WE LIP) and the Windsor-Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (WERCSWB).
“The Festival of Guest Nations is a beautiful reminder of the cultural richness guest workers bring to our region,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Leamington, and Warden of the County of Essex.
“It provides an important opportunity to honour their hard work, the sacrifices they make to be here, and the many ways they strengthen our community and local economy. We are proud to welcome and celebrate them, and this year’s event was yet another inspiring display of culture, connection, and community spirit.”
With almost two decades of history, the Festival of Guest Nations is a long-standing initiative that honours the diversity, dedication, and invaluable contributions of migrant workers in Essex County.
It offers a space where migrant workers, local residents, and service providers can come together to foster mutual understanding, connection, and appreciation.
“For more than 16 years, the Festival of Guest Nations has been a defining tradition in our mission to support and celebrate the migrant worker community. Their hard work is the driving force of our agricultural sector, and their presence enriches the cultural and social life of our region,” said Martin Varela, Chairman, Migrant Worker Community Program.
“As Chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program, I am proud to see how this festival continues to grow, creating a space where migrant workers feel valued, respected, and welcomed. This event is not only a celebration; it is a testament to the unity, gratitude, and strength of our community.”
The event featured a full program of live music, cultural performances, international cuisine, and interactive booths, reinforcing the deep roots migrant workers have established in our region, in a continued effort to strengthen community ties and promote public well-being.
This component of the event provided migrant workers, newcomers, and their families the opportunity to interact directly with public service professionals and local organizations committed to community safety and health.
Participating agencies included the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.), Leamington Fire Services, Consulate of Mexico in Leamington as well as various health care, mental health, and settlement service providers.
“The Festival of Guest Nations celebrates the heart of Ontario agriculture — its people. In Essex County, this annual event unites local families, farms, International Agriculture Workers, businesses, and communities to celebrate, learn, share, and connect as respected partners,” said Trevor Jones, MPP, Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
“As Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, I’m proud to see our region honour the invaluable contributions of migrant workers who work alongside local farming families to support our communities and all the good things grown in Ontario!”
This event served as an important platform for building trust, increasing access to information, and helping individuals better understand the resources available to them. It also strengthened relationships between service providers and community members, helping foster a sense of belonging, safety, and support.
The Festival of Guest Nations continues to be a cornerstone event in Essex County highlighting the resilience of migrant workers and the importance of inclusive, community-based outreach. The day concluded with raffles, giveaways, and heartfelt celebrations, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.