(Minghui.org) Several Christmas parades are held throughout the month of November in major Canadian cities, and Falun Dafa practitioners participated in four parades in the span of two days. Many spectators said they were moved by the music and learned about Falun Dafa.
On November 16, the Tian Guo Marching Band performed at the Newmarket parade at 11 a.m. They then hurried to Richmond Hill for a parade that started at 6 p.m. A team of waist drummers took part in the Christmas parade in Hamilton, which began at 4 p.m. The next day, the Tian Guo Marching Band performed at the Christmas parade in Milton.
The Tian Guo Marching Band participates in the Christmas parade in Newmarket on November 16, 2019.
The Tian Guo Marching Band performs at a second parade in Richmond Hill later that day, on November 16.
Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises during the Christmas parade in Hamilton on November 16.
The waist drum team was well received during Hamilton's Christmas parade on November 16.
The Tian Guo Marching Band performs at the Milton Christmas parade on November 17.
Chinese Student Happy to Encounter Falun Dafa
Peter from Beijing is studying in Hamilton. When he saw practitioners in the parade, he said, “You cannot see this in China. This is the first time I've seen people doing the Falun Dafa exercises.”
When he learned that practitioners are invited to participate in community events everywhere, he said, “I didn't know Falun Dafa was so popular! This is completely different from what I was told in China. I'm so happy to see practitioners and learn the truth today.”
Communist Regime Frightened
Mr. Yu from Harbin, China loved the Tian Guo Marching Band's music. He was surprised to learn that the band was formed by Falun Dafa practitioners.
He said he knew there were about 100 million people in China practicing Falun Dafa before the persecution. “Only the Chinese Communist Party has so many members. That's why it's frightened of Falun Dafa,” he said. Mr. Yu decided to renounce his membership in the Communist party and its affiliated organizations.
People Should Not Be Tortured for Their Beliefs
Gordon Major says he supports Falun Dafa.
Gordon Major lives in Hamilton and attends the Christmas parade every year. He was fascinated by the practitioners’ exercise movements and listened carefully as they told him about Falun Dafa and described the persecution in China.
He said, “A terrible persecution is happening on the other side of the world. Taking organs from practitioners by force is unheard of! People should not be tortured for their beliefs. I stand on your side. I thank you for informing me about this atrocity. I will tell others what you've told me.”
Mr. Riz encouraged Falun Dafa practitioners to uphold their belief.
Mr. Riz from Hamilton said that this was the second time he saw practitioners performing in the parade. He especially loved the waist drummers’ performance.
When he learned that practitioners in China are tortured for their beliefs, Mr. Riz said, “I realize that in Communist countries like China, people are not free to pursue their own faiths. But in Canada as well as the rest of the world, you are free to practice your belief.”
Inspired to Learn Falun Dafa
Cherry said, “The Tian Guo Marching Band's music brings one a sense of peace.”
Ms. Cherry watched the parade in Newmarket with her family. She said, “The Tian Guo Marching Band is amazing! I absolutely loved their performance. Their music brings one a sense of peace.” She also expressed interest in learning the Falun Dafa exercises.
Chinese Regime's Brutality Exposed
Jerry from Richmond Hill recorded video of the Tian Guo Marching Band as they rehearsed for the parade. Having read about the persecution and organ harvesting crime in newspapers, he said, “I oppose this persecution. But many people still don't know about this. Now everyone in the world knows how brutal the communist regime through the protests in Hong Kong.”
Kristina, who helps coordinate the Christmas parade in Richmond Hill, was happy that the Tian Guo Marching Band participated this year.
Kristina is part of the organization that coordinates the Richmond Hill parade. She complimented the band members’ talent and said she was glad they were able to perform in this year's parade.
She said that she knows how Falun Dafa is persecuted in China. She expressed her sympathy and hopes the persecution will end soon.
Adriana (right)
Ms. Adriana said this was the first time she'd heard the Tian Guo Marching Band. She said, “I adore this band and the music. I like that it is very multicultural.”
