(Minghui.org) Foley Square near New York City Hall became a global stage on May 13, 2015, when Falun Dafa practitioners showcased cultural performances by talent from across the globe. Performers from the Americas, Europe, and Asia share the same message: “Falun Dafa is good. Stop the persecution in China.”
The two masters of ceremonies introduced Falun Dafa to pedestrians and encouraged them to take a flyer to learn about the practice and the persecution. The performers' joy and peacefulness caught the attention of passersby, some of whom said that they appreciated the performances and the message.
May 13 marks the 23rd anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to public and the 64th birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice. Over 1,000 practitioners gathered at Foley Square to share the beauty and joy of cultivation and gratitude to Master Li.
The crowd watches the Divine Land Marching Band perform at Foley Square in New York City on May 13, 2015.
Two musicians play the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument.
Anna Kokkonen from Finland performs a song she wrote, “The Golden Land.”
Falun Dafa practitioners perform lion dances in celebration of World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2015.
Practitioners perform a dragon dance at Foley Square on May 13, 2015.
Watching demonstrations of Falun Dafa exercises, pedestrians try out the movements.
Practitioners display 41 proclamations dedicated to Falun Dafa on the federal, state, and city levels.
Peter Recknagel from Germany joined the dragon dance and Falun Dafa exercise demonstration at Foley Square.
Peter Recknagel from Germany said that what he would like to express is the same as when he protested the persecution on Tiananmen Square in Beijing in November 2001. He would like to tell people, “Falun Dafa is good. Stop the persecution in China.”
Two 11-year-old practitioners in New York perform a Mongolian dance. When asked what they would like to say for the occasion of World Falun Dafa Day, they responded, “Happy Birthday, Master Li!”
A pedestrian signs a petition to call for the end of the persecution in China.
A man reads a Falun Dafa informational flyer.
In addition to the performances, Falun Dafa practitioners also hold banners sharing the same message: “Falun Dafa is good. Stop the persecution in China.”
Mr. Safit from Eastern Europe watched as practitioners demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises. He praised the practitioners' peaceful energy.
Musician Steven from New York was attracted by the Falun Dafa exercise demonstration at Foley Square. He learned about the persecution of the practice by the Chinese communist regime and signed a petition to call for its end.
Attorney Ray sat at Foley Square and watched the performances. He said that the performances are a good way to raise awareness of the persecution, and that it is important to let the public know about it.
“I'm just stopping by and taking a look,” said a Chinese man at the beginning of the event. He ended up watching for three hours. As he left, he said, “The program is good. Very pleasant.”
