Ohtli Award to be presented to Martin Varela for advocacy and support of Mexican migrants.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy.
With more than 20 years of history, the festival has grown into a vibrant annual tradition that celebrates the cultural diversity, dedication, and contributions of migrant workers. Last year’s event drew over 2,500 attendees, including workers, families, and local residents, all coming together to enjoy international cuisine, live performances, and meaningful connections with community services.
A Day of Celebration and Connection
The Festival of Guest Nations is more than just a celebration—it’s a bridge between migrant workers and the broader community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with first responders and public service providers, including the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.), Leamington Fire Services, Essex-Windsor EMS, and representatives from healthcare, mental health, and public safety organizations.
This outreach is part of Public Safety Information Day, a key component of the festival that fosters trust, improves access to essential services, and promotes a sense of safety and well-being for migrant workers and their families.
Honouring a Champion for Migrant Rights
This year’s festival will feature a special moment of recognition for Martin Varela, Chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP), who will be honoured with the prestigious Ohtli Award—one of the highest distinctions granted by the Government of Mexico to individuals working abroad in support of Mexican communities.
Presented by Rodrigo Báez, Consul of Mexico in Leamington, the award ceremony will take place during the festival and coincide with celebrations marking Mexico’s Independence Day. The Ohtli Award, which includes a silver medal, rosette, and diploma, recognizes Varela’s longstanding advocacy for migrant rights and his efforts to empower Mexican workers in Southwestern Ontario.
“Ohtli” means “path” in Nahuatl (an Indigenous language of Mexico, historically spoken by the Aztecs and still used today by over a million people, primarily in central Mexico), symbolizing the act of opening roads for others—a fitting tribute to Varela’s work in creating opportunities and support systems for migrant workers across the region.
What’s Going On
Festival-goers can look forward to:
- Live entertainment and cultural performances
- International food vendors;
- Raffles, prizes, and giveaways;
- Interactive booths from community organizations;
- Opportunities to connect with service providers.
Whether you're a newcomer, long-time resident, or seasonal worker, the Festival of Guest Nations offers a welcoming space to celebrate culture, build relationships, and learn about the resources available in the community.
Learn more at:
MWCP Social Media & Info: https://linktr.ee/mwcp
WE LIP (Local Immigration Partnership): https://linktr.ee/windsoressexlip
TeaMWork Project: www.workforcewindsoressex.com/teamwork