(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from Greater Vancouver attended the May Day Parade in the neighboring city of Port Coquitlam on May 9, 2015. The practitioners' group included the Divine Land Marching Band, a lotus flower float, waist drummers, and a demonstration of Falun Dafa exercises.

The Divine Land Marching Band leads the procession of Falun Dafa practitioners.

Practitioners display the Falun Dafa exercise movements in the parade.

The May Day Festival, which dates back to 1923, attracted a large number of spectators, many of whom praised the practitioners' performances.

Among them was local resident Rhamona Voshbrowning: “The colors are great. The float is beautiful, the costumes are wonderful—everything is great.”

He thanked practitioners for their cultural contribution to the event: “Canada is a nation based on diversity. Our ancestors came from different countries, and we should keep up this tradition by getting everyone in the community involved.”

“I am glad to see the culture practitioners have brought to our community. We welcome Falun Dafa!”

The Falun Dafa float, featuring a large lotus flower

Voshbrowning said he knew about the suppression of Falun Dafa in China. “I have seen practitioners protesting in front of the Chinese consulate in Vancouver. I am glad that you have stepped forward to interact with the community. It is great because this is how people can understand you and help you.”

He said practitioners should have the freedom to practice in China. “This is a basic human right we should respect. Plus, Falun Dafa practitioners are peaceful and are beneficial to society.”

A large banner leads a team of waist drummers.

Stephen, who watched the parade with his son and grandson, clapped many times for the Falun Dafa procession. He said this was the first time they'd ever seen Falun Dafa practitioners in a parade.

“It looks good. The colors are bright, and their message is positive. I like it!”

Chinese families among the spectators were especially pleased to see the practitioners. “Look! Here comes Falun Dafa. They look awesome!” said one Chinese woman to another. Many took pictures of practitioners or took group photos with them.

A Chinese resident gets a photo taken with the Falun Dafa float.