(Minghui.org) The holiday season in North America generally begins at the end of November with the celebration of Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, many families begin to celebrate the arrival of Christmas by hanging lights and holiday decorations. In many places, Christmas parades are held to get the community into the holiday spirit. 

Falun Dafa practitioners recently participated in Christmas parades in two cities in New York State, Middletown and Port Jervis. They displayed the beauty of Dafa, bringing blessings and joy to the community. 

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in the City of Middletown

The Middletown Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the City of Middletown, held Middletown’s 25^th Annual Tree Lighting Parade and Ceremony the day after Thanksgiving, on November 25, 2022. 

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the event and brought the beauty of Falun Dafa and shared the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to locals. Spectators on both sides of the street took pictures and waved and cheered as the practitioners went by. 

The 25th Annual Tree Lighting Parade and Ceremony in Middletown, New York

Practitioners participate in 25th Annual Tree Lighting Parade and Ceremony in Middletown, New York, on November 25, 2022. 

Christmas Parade in the City of Port Jervis

The City of Port Jervis held its 50^th annual Christmas Parade on December 3, 2022. A wide range of community groups from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania attended the parade. Falun Dafa practitioners had a lotus flower dance troupe, an exercise demonstration group and a Chinese lion dance.

Practitioners participated in the 50^th annual Christmas parade in Port Jervis, New York, on December 3, 2022. 

The parade started from Sussex Street in Port Jervis, then made its way through Matamoras, a business district in Pennsylvania, and ended at Airport Park. Many spectators along the parade route received Falun Dafa informational flyers and handmade paper lotus flowers from practitioners.

Angela, a spectator, waved and applauded the Falun Dafa procession. She said she really enjoyed the lotus flower dance troupe. “This is absolutely beautiful! They look very peaceful! Thank you so much!” She said she also enjoyed watching the Chinese lion dancers and had her picture taken with them. In addition, the melodious Falun Dafa exercise music appealed to her. “This is great!” she said.