World Cup play adds excitement to Windsor’s Carousel of Nations

About 150 fans packed into the Heimat, which played host to the Carousel of Nations Bavarian Village and a World Cup watch party.

A celebration of Windsor’s cultural diversity is colliding with the world’s marquee soccer tournament.

Windsor’s Carousel of Nations is in its opening weekend at the same time the FIFA World Cup kicks off.

At the Heimat on Drouillard Road, the timing has meant an opportunity to host the Bavarian Village and a watch party for fans to cheer on Germany in the World Cup..

“I think it’s a great opportunity to have both the FIFA Germany game happening right now during our Carousel of Nations, it brings everybody together,” said Sara Stiller, the service manager at Heimat.

Outside in the village, visitors have been treated to traditional dances, Bavarian food and cold drinks.

Inside on Sunday, it was an at times tense affair for about 150 fans eager to cheer on their team in an opening match against Curacao.

“It’s the best, you get the atmosphere of the culture, you get family, everyone just having a great time,” said one fan on hand to watch the game.

Multiple Carousel of Nations villages across the region have planned similar watch parties for their respective teams.

At the Heimat, Stiller said they’re happy to have the busy days and celebrate the culture.

“The vibes have been really high in here, everyone’s really excited to watch the Germany game and celebrate with the Carousel of Nations,” Stiller added.

The Carousel of Nations continues next weekend with a full list of villages and dates available here.