(Clearwisdom.net) On September 12, 2004, Los Angeles Falun Gong practitioners participated in the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade held by the Latino community. As estimated by the organizer, about 200 groups participated in the activity and nearly 100,000 spectators watched the parade. This was the largest celebration event held by the local Latino community this year. It is the first time that Los Angeles practitioners have applied to participate.

Groups participating in the parade included people from different professions, governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, and the media. Several congressmen, California senators, the Los Angeles mayor, and city councilors also joined the procession.

The Falun Gong practitioners' elegantly decorated float, graceful exercise demonstration, traditional Chinese dancing, and energetic waist drum performance were well received by spectators along the parade route.

Falun Gong practitioners in the parade

Practitioners wearing large, traditional Mexican style straw hats, holding banners with words in Spanish, congratulating the Mexican people for their festival.

Falun Dafa float was a highlight in the parade

Exercise demonstration

Waist drummers troupe

Dance group

Spectators give a warm welcome to the practitioners

Practitioners hand out truth clarifying flyers

Video: Los Angeles Channel 34 (Univision 34) reported Falun Gong practitioners participated in the parade

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The host said, "Falun Gong has brought different culture to this parade. Falun Gong is a peaceful, relaxing practice, and can bring health to people. They truly charge no fee at the teaching sessions every day or week... Two girls raised Mexican flags to show they are happy to celebrate this holiday with Mexicans... Meditation, lotus flowers, ... How beautiful! It's genuine art! Falun Dafa -- an ancient practice that can uplift mind and body."