(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Catrinas Parade in Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz state, on October 25, 2025. They conveyed Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. A total of 48 groups took part in this parade.

The Catrinas Parade was organized by Sumando Voluntades, a non-profit civic organization dedicated to preserving traditional local parades. This was the ninth year the event was held, and according to the organizers it drew around 20,000 spectators and 4,700 participants.

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Catrinas Parade in Veracruz State, which was recently affected by flooding.

The parade was part of Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead celebrations, during which Mexican people celebrate the lives of their departed friends and family. This year, the festivities had a special meaning, as a series of floods had inundated the region a few weeks prior, and the organizers dedicated the parade to the lives lost in the tragedy.

Some practitioners carried portraits of Falun Dafa practitioners who died as a result of the unjust persecution carried out by the Chinese Communist Party—this aligned with the theme of the Day of the Dead.

Practitioners carried portraits in memory of those who died at the hands of the Chinese regime.

For many people, the Falun Dafa procession and its promise of inner peace through traditional values was welcome. They said that seeing the messages on practitioners’ banners gave them a sense of peace and hope in this difficult time.

A Colorful Procession Through the State Capital

Practitioners from six different states marched along the main streets in the center of Veracruz’s capital, which is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and their bright yellow attire drew the attention of spectators. The Falun Dafa contingent stood out for its bright colors and striking appearance, as well as for the order and harmony conveyed by the practitioners.

Leading the group was the Waist Drum Team, which was warmly received by spectators who cheered and applauded as they marched to the rhythm of “Falun Dafa Is Good.” Many people said they also admired practitioners’ Falun Dafa exercise demonstration.

The Waist Drum Team was warmly received by the audience in Xalapa.

A group of practitioners demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises, and many people said they were interested in learning them.

A float in the shape of a boat of salvation especially captured the attention of attendees, who were surprised and amazed by its striking design. People applauded enthusiastically as it passed by.

People applauded as practitioners demonstrated the exercises on the float.

“They were like light in the darkness.”

Ana Carolina Viveros, an administrative assistant from Xalapa, said she really enjoyed the Falun Dafa group’s participation, “Because it was something different from the usual Day of the Dead celebrations,” which usually made use of traditional Mexican motifs.

“I saw that people really liked [the Falun Dafa practitioners],” she said. “I felt they were like light in the darkness.”

Viveros said she was very happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade. She congratulated and thanked them for “bringing peace” to the public in this difficult time for the region.

“I was very glad they came and shared this meditation with people—it’s something very good for both our body and our soul,” she said. Viveros also added that she felt that people nowadays need to make time to meditate and reflect.

“I feel like the world is getting worse and worse. Yes, we need to change—and I know that first we have to change ourselves before we can change others,” she said.

This parade was the first time Viveros had heard of Falun Dafa, or the persecution in China. She said she heard that in that country there is persecution against those who follow good, such as Christian believers. “I feel like, more and more, it’s as if they want to silence us,” she said. “There are people who don’t want peace—quite the opposite.”

She said that values such as Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are “greatly needed,” because people live in a rush, are very stressed, and “really need to relax.” “Yes, we need something that can help us,” she added.

Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Is Important

Practitioners handed out flyers to passersby, informing them about the benefits of Falun Dafa and the persecution in China.

Another parade attendee, Raquel Del Valle, a psychopedagogy student and homemaker from Xalapa, said that Falun Dafa seemed very beautiful and very relaxing. Watching the group, she said, gave her a sense of calm and peace.

Raquel Del Valle explained that she attends the Catrinas Parade every year and she feels it is important for groups like Falun Dafa to participate, promoting values such as Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

She thought it was very good that the practice is offered for free to the public, “Honestly, as human beings, we sometimes really need to meditate and find inner peace,” she said. She also mentioned that it was very nice that this information was shared during the Catrinas Parade.

“Unfortunately, good people—those who always transmit goodness, want to do good, and promote values and respect—always face difficulties,” she said. Upon learning about the persecution in China, she added, “It’s the worst thing imaginable, because I believe everyone has the right to life, regardless of their beliefs. It’s very upsetting.”

The Persecution Against Falun Dafa Is Very Regrettable

Laura May Vázquez, a registered nurse and thanatologist visiting the city from Mexico City, where she currently works, said that upon seeing the Falun Dafa contingent, she felt a deep sense of peace, and became interested in learning more about the practice, which she had not heard of before.

Upon learning about the persecution, Laura May said she stands for peace and harmony, and she is against violence, adding, “It hurts me—all of these situations are painful.” She encouraged people to live in peace and harmony.

The practitioners carrying the portraits received strong encouragement from the public as they peacefully raised awareness of the ongoing genocide against Falun Dafa practitioners in China, who have been subjected to illegal imprisonment, torture, brainwashing, and even killed through forced organ harvesting while they are still alive.

Local merchant Félix Bernal Martínez said he felt inspired, and congratulated practitioners for promoting Falun Dafa in the city, “Congratulations, really, congratulations!” he said.

Bernal said the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners, which has been ongoing for 26 years, was very regrettable.