(Minghui.org) On the weekend of December 2 and 3, 2023, Falun Dafa practitioners took part in three Christmas parades in the Greater Toronto area, helping the community ring in the start of the holiday season. As of December 3, practitioners from Toronto have participated in ten Christmas parades so far this year, celebrating the season and bringing Falun Dafa to a wider audience.
At 11 a.m. on December 2, the Toronto Tian Guo Marching Band joined the 50th Santa Claus Parade in Bolton. Earlier in the morning, the waist drum team participated in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. The following day, the Tian Guo Marching Band and waist drum team both participated in the Santa Claus Parade in Burlington at 2 p.m.
Despite the cold weather, every parade was well attended. As the Tian Guo Marching Band and waist drum team passed, people danced to the music. Children were delighted, clapping and dancing along as the Tian Guo Marching Band performed “Jingle Bells.” The bands’ performances were warmly applauded throughout the parade routes, and many people thanked practitioners for their contribution. Many said they were glad to learn about Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
The Toronto Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to participate in the 50th Santa Claus Parade in Bolton.
The waist drum team was warmly greeted at the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade on December 2, 2023.
The Tian Guo Marching Band and the waist drum team participate in the Santa Claus Parade in Burlington on December 3.
Local Residents: We Need Traditional Values
Mahim thought the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music was excellent.
Mahim lives in Burlington and works for a bank. When the Tian Guo Marching Band passed by, she danced with the music and videotaped the performance with her cell phone. She said the Tian Guo Marching Band was outstanding and the music was excellent. She added that the costumes and colors were great.
When Mahim heard that band members practice Falun Dafa and follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said these principles are much needed, both for her, and everyone in society. She feels that many people have forgotten how to be good, and that the COVID pandemic made things even worse. She believes that the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance can help people calm down, build trust, and promote kindness across communities.
Andrei said he plans to share the video of the band’s performance with his son.
When he realized the Tian Guo Marching Band had almost passed, Andrei began following the band while videotaping the performance with his cell phone. He said this was the first time he’d heard such uplifting music, and he felt it gave people positive energy. He said he plans to share the video with his son, who plays saxophone in his school band.
The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are very important, he added. If everyone followed them, there will be no bullying or war in this world. Our society would also become a better place.
People Admire Falun Dafa’s Principles
Tanisha watched the Tian Guo Marching Band rehearse before the parade in Bolton.
Before the parade at Bolton started, Tanisha watched the Tian Guo Marching Band rehearse. She’d planned to visit another band, but said she was drawn to the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music, and said it was unique and beautiful.
She felt that the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are critical for today’s society. Tanisha said that only when people are sincere can they truly be nice to others, and that having an open mind and remaining tolerant can help one treat others better.
Sonya was excited to see the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Sonya from Bolton was very excited to see the Tian Guo Marching Band. She knew that the band members are Falun Dafa practitioners and she enjoys the music very much. Sonya recently bought a copy of Zhuan Falun, the main teachings of Falun Dafa, and is reading it.
Sheryl (left) and Tracy (right) applaud the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Sheryl and Tracy applauded as the Tian Guo Marching Band passed by. Sheryl said this was the first time she’d heard beautiful music like this. She was surprised to see both flute and piccolo in a band. Tracy noticed the band members were well coordinated with each other. She admired their costumes and said the colors were wonderful. She said it must have taken a lot of effort to form such a band and what Tian Guo Marching Band is doing is amazing.
This was the first time Sheryl and Tracy had heard of Falun Dafa, and they deeply agree with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They said these values are very important to nurture a person’s mind and spirit, and they planned to look into Falun Dafa after the event.
End the CCP’s Infiltration into Western Society
Gene has seen Falun Dafa practitioners numerous times.
Seeing the words, “Falun Dafa” on the banner carried in front of the Tian Guo Marching Band, Gene told his family about the practice. He explained he’s seen practitioners peacefully protesting in Vancouver to oppose the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He’s also seen practitioners doing the Falun Dafa exercises in Burlington.
Speaking of the suppression in China, Gene said that Falun Dafa practitioners are peaceful, and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are great. He hopes Western society wakes up, stops the CCP’s infiltration into Western society, and helps end the persecution.
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