(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners, including the Divine Land Marching Band, participated in the South Islands’ largest Santa Parade in Christchurch on Sunday, December 5, 2015.

The Divine Land Marching performs a Christmas tune.

Christchurch, a popular tourist destination, was ravaged by a large earthquake in 2011. Even though rebuilding is still ongoing, the city has bounced back with resilience, and the positivity of its citizens shined through at this event.

Over 100,000 joined in the festivities and watched the parade, which is in its 68th year.

The Divine Land Marching Band was a delight to those lining the streets, with its Christmas tunes reverberating pleasantly. Many took photos and waved at the performers.

Members of the Divine Land Marching Band after the parade.

Falun Dafa is a traditional Chinese meditation practice, which includes a set of gentle exercises and teachings that help improve the body and mind. The group has participated in the Christchurch Santa Parade for over 15 years.

Practitioners of Falun Dafa have been severely persecuted in China since 1999, when Jiang Zemin, then-leader of the Chinese Communist Party, ordered a national campaign to eradicate the practice.

Falun Dafa is taught for free by local practitioners along the beautiful Avon River, on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Cashel Street, on Saturday mornings between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.