(Minghui.org) The 2020 Tamsui Environmental Arts Festival Parade commenced on September 27, 2020, at the Tamsui Old Street Square in New Taipei City. The annual parade showcases the district’s rich culture and unique art scene. This is the fourth year in a row that the Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to participate in the parade. In a year shadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the New Taipei City government decided to go ahead with the event in hopes of getting people to reconnect with one another and find hope in a time of crisis.

Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City, and members of participating arts groups kicked off the event at 3 p.m. despite a heavy downpour. This was followed by the street parade made up of around 40 groups and over 1,000 participants. The 130 members of the Tian Guo Marching Band in their blue and white traditional Chinese costumes drew a lot of attention. People stopped to take photos or videotaped their performances.

The Tian Guo marching band formed by Falun Gong practitioners performed at the Tamsui Environmental Arts Festival Parade despite a downpour.

The Tian Guo marching band performed at the Tamsui golden anchor at the end of the festival.

The Tian Guo Marching Band played a popular Taiwan folk song, as well as several songs portraying the beauty of Falun Dafa. Arthur Wu, Tamsui district director, praised the band’s performance.

Many tourists asked for the lotus flower souvenirs, which had messages about Falun Dafa. They thanked the practitioners for the exquisite gifts.

Beautiful fairy maidens dressed in traditional Chinese costumes walked behind the band. They handed out lotus flowers and information on this spiritual discipline, hoping to share the beauty of Falun Dafa.

One man said, “We happened to be walking this way when we saw the grand Tian Guo Marching Band. Even though it was raining we didn’t want to leave. We stayed to enjoy the performance.”

A woman said, “The spirit of the Tian Guo Marching Band is commendable, performing despite such bad weather.” Her friend Ms. Lu also praised the band and said, “This band is admirable. This is one of the largest groups in today’s parade. Their costumes are beautiful and everyone looks very energetic.”

Ms. Du, a local resident, said, “We received a beautiful gift today, a lotus flower with the message 'Falun Dafa Is Good' on it.”

Mr. Li from Kaohsiung, who plays the trumpet in the band, said, “This is the third time I have attended this festival. I’m quite excited to see the spectators again. I caught a bus from Kaohsiung at 5 a.m today. Although it has been raining non-stop in Tamsui, we still did our best. Earlier this year, many outdoor events were canceled due to the coronavirus. I think it is extremely meaningful to be able to attend this year’s festival and share how wonderful Falun Dafa is through music. Because the music we play is pure and serene, I believe it will give people hope in such troubled times.”

The Tian Guo Marching Band performed at the Tamsui golden anchor after the parade, bringing a perfect end to the day’s events.