Having such an array of different cultures so close is an
amazing way to broaden your views on the world. Living side
by side with those whose customs and traditions originated in
other parts of the world builds a tolerant and open-minded
society. People in diverse communities are less prone (though
sadly not immune) to ethnic stereotyping and bigotry.
It also makes our community more likely to embrace and
celebrate our origins and those of our neighbours.The
Carrousel of Nations has been rated as one of the top 100
festivals in Ontario. Started 40 years ago, it was the inaugural
multicultural event in the region. In 1974 it was launched with
the assistance of a $3,500 donation from the Ministry of
Culture and Recreation. Attractions included folk arts, foods
and crafts from 27 different groups. As it turns 40, the once
small festival now takes up three different weekends in the
month of June. With generous donations from many
community organizations and a $47,264 grant from the
province, the festival will bring more than 40 different cultures
into the local spotlight.
Long Dinh is one of the more than 1,500 Vietnamese who
currently call Windsor home. He came to Canada after
surviving the horrors of the Vietnam War as a child in Saigon,
and found a welcoming community in 1989 when he was
accepted to the Electrical Engineering program at the
University of Windsor.
In the past few years Dinh has also enjoyed the role in the
Carrousel of Nations that the Vietnamese Catholic community
plays. He says it’s a way for people to have a taste of his
homeland.
“We have being doing it for the last three or four years, we
are very happy with it. We specialize in traditional Vietnamese
food. Last year we got an award from the festival for it,” said
Dinh. “Egg rolls (Canadians call them spring rolls) is the most
popular and the second one is Pho (beef soup), those two are
the most popular.”
While Carrousel appears to be going strong after 40 years,
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