(Minghui.org) The Puerto Rican Parade & Festival was held in Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, on August 6, 2023. Falun Dafa practitioners, from the New York area and from New Jersey, were the only procession with Asian participants. Asians participated in the parade and formed a waist-drum team, an exercise demonstration team, and a lotus flower team. Practitioners were warmly received by spectators who applauded and welcomed Falun Dafa at the parade.
Falun Dafa practitioners from the New York area participated in the local festival parade on August 6, 2023.
Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean and is a U.S. territory. The island is rich in history, culture, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and forests. It has a blend of Spanish, African, and Native American cultures in its music, food, and festivals.
The Falun Dafa waist-drum team wore a bright yellow traditional costume while drumming energetically on their drum on the day of the parade. The exercise demonstration team showcased elegant movements, while the lotus flower team danced beautifully, displaying their bright pink costumes. Falun Dafa’s entry into the procession was eye-catching to spectators who cheered along the way.
Falun Dafa practitioners introduced the practice to locals.
Organizer: Thank You Falun Dafa for Bringing Another Unique Culture
Krystal Michelle De León, President of the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends Organization, introduced the Puerto Rico culture: “The Puerto Rico parade started in the 1970s in the city of Trenton and it was held to show our culture and pride.”
This was the first parade held after the COVID-19 pandemic (CCP virus). Krystal was grateful to Falun Dafa’s waist-drum team and said “Their participation was stunning.” She shared that the vice president of the committee thought that it was a good idea to invite a waist-drum team and ask them to participate in the parade. “We are happy that the waist-drum team accepted our invitation and it has brought a unique and different culture.”
Krystal Michelle De León, President of the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends Organization.
New Jersey Local Resident: “We welcome you!”
Ivelisse (first left) cheered for Falun Dafa practitioners with her family.
Ivelisse Melendez Aguirre cheered for the Falun Dafa’s procession. She said, “I am happy to see many different races celebrating Puerto Rican culture. The waist-drum team is very beautiful. This is my first time seeing them here. Their costumes are vibrant in color. Yellow is my favorite color.” She was surprised to learn that practitioners came a long way from New York to participate in the parade and were grateful to practitioners for coming.
She said, “We welcome you!”
Pharmacist: “This is wonderful! It is filled with energy!”
Mellissa Arroyo is a pharmacist. This was her first encounter with Falun Dafa practitioners. She said “There are so many practitioners from New York! This is wonderful!”
Mellissa Arroyo, a pharmacist, praised Falun Dafa’s procession, performances, and music.
Mellissa has never seen a performance like this and felt that it was very special. She said, “Although I do not understand practitioners that much, I am happy to see them here. Their yellow costumes are beautiful. The drum beats and music are also beautiful. It was filled with energy.”
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