(Minghui.org) As Christmas approaches, communities across Ontario, Canada, host various parades to celebrate. Many families come together to watch these events.
Over the past weekend, the Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to perform in five Christmas parades. They first attended the Santa Claus Parade in Newmarket at 11 a.m. on November 16. They also performed in the Santa Claus Parades held in Hamilton and London that afternoon and evening. On November 17, the band performed in the Santa Claus Parade in Milton at 1:30 p.m., followed by a performance in Newcastle at 5:30 p.m.
The band brought Christmas blessings to the communities and shared the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance with local residents. People responded with applause and cheers and expressed their support and appreciation.
The Tian Guo Marching Band participated in five Christmas parades on November 16 and 17.
Lily from Bulgaria who now lives in Newmarket said, “The band’s music is full of Christmas spirit, and the overall performance is very well-organized. I really enjoy this perfect combination of visuals and sound.” After learning that the band members are Falun Dafa practitioners who follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Lily said, “This philosophy is something I absolutely aspire to and want to follow, especially in today’s society. I think it’s really important.”
When Lily received a flyer about Falun Dafa, she noticed information about the persecution of practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and said, “I’ve heard about it before. I’m from Bulgaria, and we used to be part of the Soviet Union, so I completely understand what life is like under a communist regime.” She said she would visit the Falun Dafa website to learn more.
Mariana says the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance was brilliant and beautiful.
Mariana took photos and videos when the Tian Guo Marching Band passed. It was the first time she had heard the band perform. She said, “Their music is absolutely amazing! The performance was beautiful. I felt like everyone in the band was smiling at us. Thank you for coming to Newmarket.”
When she saw the words, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” Mariana said she appreciated these values.
Karishma wanted to thank band members.
Karishma, a young woman from India who arrived in Canada six months ago, eagerly took photos of the Tian Guo Marching Band as they passed by, and said, “This is my first experience like this in Canada, and I absolutely love it. The band’s performance was excellent, and they were so well-coordinated. I’m sure the members must have put in a lot of effort and practice. Please thank them on my behalf.”
Karishma accepted a flyer after learning the band members were Falun Dafa practitioners. She asked if there were any classes offered in Hamilton so she could learn how to practice. When she heard there were free online classes Karishma said she would look into it and expressed her admiration for Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Zeinab said the band’s music and costumes are one of a kind.
Zeinab, who lives in Hamilton, was thrilled when she heard the Tian Guo Marching Band. “The band’s music is amazing! Their outfits, color combinations—everything is so unique. I love everything about them.” Seeing the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance on a flyer, Zeinab said she agreed with them and would visit the Falun Dafa website to learn more.
Kathy and Shirley from China who have lived in Newcastle for 30 years, were delighted when they saw the Tian Guo Marching Band and the banners. Pointing excitedly, they said, “Chinese people! Falun Dafa!” They said they were happy to see a Chinese group participating in the Christmas parade.
Shirley smiled when asked about their thoughts on the band’s performance and said, “So many people performing together—it sounds great. The costumes are beautiful, too.” She then pointed to the words “Falun Dafa” on the practitioners’ clothing and added, “I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Kathy and Shirley said they previously saw Falun Dafa banners in Toronto but didn’t know much about it. When they learned that practicing Falun Dafa involves self-improvement based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and that the band came from Toronto to Newcastle to share these values, Kathy responded, “That’s wonderful! Being truthful, kind, and patient is such a great starting point.” Shirley said she wants to tell band members, “By making an effort to come to our small town to perform, you are living out Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
Kathy took a flyer about Falun Dafa and said she would look into it.
Paula said the band’s music is amazing.
Paula tapped her feet in time to the drumbeat as she watched the Tian Guo Marching Band perform, and said excitedly, “I love this performance! The music is amazing, and such a large group performing together really stands out in the parade.” She said she also liked their costumes.
Of Falun Dafa’s principles Paula said, “I think these are important for being a good person. People should be sincere and kind to others, so I completely support this.” She said she would look into the free online Falun Dafa classes.