(Minghui.org) There was a festive atmosphere in Baltimore as the 48^th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade was held on December 5, 2021. The parade which consisted of 160 groups was attended by thousands of people. A spectator who saw Falun Dafa practitioners’ parade entry for the first time said they brought amazing energy to the event and that “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is what the world needs.”

Practitioners from the greater Washington D.C. area participated in the 48^th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade.

Practitioners demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises on the float.

Waist drum music played by Falun Gong practitioners in the parade transmitted the message “The world needs Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance”.

Last year, the annual Christmas parade was canceled due to COVID-19. The event resumed this year and Falun Dafa practitioners took part in it with a waist drum team and float. Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore thanked practitioners for their participation. He said, “It is wonderful to see Falun Dafa, a group representing the Chinese community, in this year’s parade. Thank you!”

According to Tammy who has lived in Baltimore for 17 years, the annual Christmas parade has become part of the community. “Like a family tradition, everyone comes to watch the parade. There are even tourists from other areas who came here especially to see the event,” she said.

Brandon Scott, mayor of the City of Baltimore (center) took a photo with practitioners. 

Practitioners distributed flyers and small hand made lotus flowers with the message “Falun Dafa is good” to people along the parade route.

Catalina from Florida was delighted to receive a flier about Falun Dafa and a lotus flower.

Catalina from Florida received a flier about Falun Dafa and a lotus flower from practitioners. She said, “It is beautiful! The waist drums are spectacular—everything beautiful you can think of, you can see it in the Falun Dafa group. The kindness, love, forbearance and respect they displayed brings people hope.”

Alex Paradise, who lives in Baltimore, was glad to see practitioners’ entry in the parade.

It was the first time many Baltimore residents saw practitioners in the Christmas parade. Alex Paradise was one of them. He said, “This is my first time seeing Falun Dafa. They are amazing. I am glad they came here. The message they pass on – Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, it is exactly what the world needs at the moment.”

Debbie (left) who lives in Baltimore received a brochure introducing Falun Dafa and happily took a photo with a practitioner. 

Debbie who lives in Baltimore said, “They give people a feeling of peace and make me feel revitalized. Everyone seemed to be happy, like a ray of light. They convey Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance--I agree with it a hundred percent.”

Phillip who lives in a small town nearby listened as a practitioner told him about Falun Dafa.

Phillip from Towson, a small local town asked practitioners about Falun Dafa. He said, “The message you pass on is excellent. This is indeed what we need now. There are all kinds of conflicts in different countries—I don’t know what will happen next. I don’t know what God has arranged. Your group has broadened my horizons and at the same time, it makes people think, especially during the Christmas season. I need to calm down and reflect on things.”

Many spectators said they were delighted to see practitioners. They immediately started to read the information on the fliers.

Lynn said she was pleasantly surprised to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade. She said, “Such perfect rhythm and beautiful colors! The banners are great! The words ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance’ are very important. They bring amazing energy to our community. Thank you for sharing it with us!”

Daniel and his wife Suzanne enjoyed Falun Dafa practitioners’ performance in the parade.

Daniel and his wife Suzanne enjoyed the practitioners’ performance. Daniel said, “This is a group that is different from the others—it is a refreshing change. You add luster to this parade!”

Background: What is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance as well as five gentle exercises—and experienced uplifted health and well-being.