(Minghui.org) Practitioners in the Greater Toronto Area gathered at Nathan Phillips Square outside the city hall on May 3 to celebrate World Dafa Day. May 13, 2026, marks the 34th anniversary since Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in 1992.

After large-scale group exercise at 8 a.m., practitioners gave various performances including a choir, solo instrumental performances, dance, and poetry readings. They said that they were grateful to Falun Dafa and Master Li, founder of the practice, for the benefits they received.

The activities started at 8 a.m. and concluded with a parade at 2:30 p.m. Some community leaders gave speeches and thanked the practitioners for their contributions.

https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/QovAQxv73mLive broadcast of the event by Gan Jing World

Practitioners in Toronto wish Master Li a Happy Birthday

Practitioners gave performances to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day

Falun Dafa Is Helping the World

Sheng Xue

Sheng Xue, award-winning writer and Global Vice Chair of the Federation for a Democratic China, said that Falun Dafa not only benefits practitioners, but also helps China and the world. In the past 27 years, many Chinese people have knowingly or unknowingly become accomplices or victims of the totalitarian Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Falun Dafa has become a powerful force around the globe that represents compassion and integrity. “Falun Dafa has participated in saving the world,” she said.

Muay Thai champion Kui Teng

Kui Teng, a Hong Kong Muay Thai champion, said he likes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and thanked practitioners for spreading authentic Chinese culture.

“Falun Dafa practitioners are good people. They treat others nicely and they are peaceful even when they expose the CCP’s persecution,” he said. “I will continue speaking up for Falun Dafa.”

Human Rights Activist: Universal Values

Ardeshir Zarezadeh, Executive Director of the International Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) in Canada, attended the event and delivered a speech. He said the participants came from various backgrounds and ethnic groups. It was the universal values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance that brought people together.

Human rights activist Ardeshir Zarezadeh

Mankind has dignity, independent thinking and speaks out sincerely, added Zarezadeh. When any group is mistreated for their faith, it impacts everyone. This is because fairness and freedom belong to everyone. We all embrace Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, but the CCP does not. That is why the regime has suppressed Falun Dafa. He also hopes everyone steps forward and speaks up for a world with freedom and human rights.

Passersby chat with practitioners to learn about Falun Dafa.

Tourists Praise Falun Dafa’s Principles

Liam and Karin said they liked Falun Dafa very much.

Liam and Karin from Italy stopped to watch as practitioners did the exercises and talked with them to learn more about Falun Dafa and the World Falun Dafa Day celebration. Liam said Falun Dafa’s principles, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, are important and people should live by them.

He was shocked to hear how the CCP persecutes Falun Dafa and said he hopes governments around the world will do something to stop the atrocities.

Christian

Christian, a lawyer from Germany, was vacationing in Canada and watched the group practice. He had previously tried meditation, so he was interested in learning about Falun Dafa.

After he read a flyer about Falun Dafa and listened to a practitioner’s personal account, Christian said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are great and they are needed, especially in our society today. He plans to visit the Falun Dafa website to learn more.

Local Resident: The CCP Wants to Cover Things Up

Bob

Bob used to work in the diesel machinery industry and is now retired. After watching practitioners do the exercises at Nathan Phillips Square, he took in the various performances in the afternoon.

“I like these activities very much,” Bob said. When a practitioner explained what Falun Dafa is, he said this practice is very valuable. Nowadays, many people spend money and consult with psychologists. “To me, one can just come here and learn about the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. By improving every day and removing bad habits, we will head in the right direction,” he explained.

Theresa said that she hopes the CCP’s suppression will end soon.

Theresa said she had previously received a flyer at Queen’s Park, so she knew about Falun Dafa. She believes that following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance on a daily basis would be very helpful.

Once a human rights advocate, she said it was wrong for the CCP to suppress a meditation group who seeks heath and inner peace. When watching a Shen Yun performance at Hamilton 10 years ago, she realized it was a great performance that touched her heart. From the show, she gained new perspectives on culture, history, and the modern era.

Theresa was sorry to hear the Shen Yun performances in Toronto were canceled this year due to threatening emails. “The CCP wants to cover things up, but people will eventually learn the truth,” she said.