Your passport to 20 countries awaits: Windows to the World returns this October

Posted on 25 September, 2025

20 countries, one weekend. Windows to the World brings the world to Canberra.

Across the weekend of 18-19 October, 20 embassies and high commissions open their doors to the public, offering guided tours, cultural performances, traditional food, and hands-on experiences that reveal the rich international community living quietly among us.

Afghanistan’s embassy becomes a cultural workshop where visitors learn to make mantu dumplings and try kite running. Hungary introduces Teqball – their ingenious mashup of football and table tennis. Egypt offers hieroglyphics lessons where children write their names like ancient pharaohs. And that’s just the beginning.

Visit individual embassy pages for detailed programs and to secure your free tickets – but first, here’s a glimpse of what’s in store at this event that happens just once every two years.

Get rare access to private spaces

Most Canberrans drive past these embassy buildings daily without ever glimpsing what lies behind their gates. Windows to the World changes that completely.

The German Embassy opens the Ambassador’s residence – a space usually reserved for diplomatic functions – complete with exhibitions on Germany’s peaceful revolution and architectural displays of their stunning new buildings. Slovenia welcomes visitors into the Ambassador’s private functions room and family-friendly experience with a dedicated kids corner featuring a treasure hunt activity. Cyprus provides guided tours led by embassy staff themselves, offering insights you’d never gain from the outside.

Discover rich traditions

Qatar recreates an authentic Arabian experience with a traditional Majlis tent, Arabic calligraphy exhibitions, and hands-on coffee workshops. Morocco demonstrates the intricate art of their tea ceremonies – a cornerstone of their social customs that visitors can experience firsthand.

Sweden balances tradition with contemporary culture through ABBA tribute concerts, traditional Nyckelharpa performances, and a special celebration of Pippi Longstocking’s 80th anniversary. Their innovation hub showcases Sweden’s contributions to modern design and technology.

From dance performances by local children at The High Commission of the Republic of Botswana to traditional Kenyan dress displays and spectacular Guatemalan Barriletes – giant decorative kites – the weekend offers so many ways to discover other cultures. Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan arts, contemporary Czech film, Maltese language classes and more!

And that’s before we even mention the food.

Taste the world

It’s like the world on a plate across the weekend, with tasting, sampling and cooking demonstrations all on offer.

Afghanistan serves saffron tea with complimentary dried fruits – a traditional combination that showcases the country’s position along ancient spice routes – while authentic Afghan cuisine appears at dedicated food stalls throughout the day.

Peru combines their renowned confectionery traditions with live musical performances, creating an atmosphere where sweet tastings accompany guitar melodies. Indonesia takes a different approach, demonstrating cooking techniques that reveal how complex spice combinations create their distinctive flavour profiles.

Mexico brings the street food experience directly to embassy grounds through authentic taco trucks, while tequila and mezcal tastings introduce visitors to premium spirits alongside margarita samples. Folkloric dance and mariachi performances are sure to add to the festive fun!

Morocco demonstrates its intricate tea ceremony while Qatar hosts Arabic coffee and dates workshops, Guatemala provides tastings of premium rum, and Georgia pairs their wine selections with traditional cuisine.

Get a sneak peek at Floriade

As a preview to the main event, Windows to the World at Floriade will take place on Saturday 11 October 2025 at Commonwealth Park. This preview will feature 15 countries showcasing their culture through interactive exhibits, traditional clothing, food, and performances.