(Minghui.org) The annual Santa Claus Parade was held in central Montreal on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This is the largest outdoor event in the city, and marks the beginning of the holiday season and Christmas celebrations. The Tian Guo Marching Band once again participated.

The Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the Santa Claus Parade in central Montreal on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

According to organizers, the Montreal Santa Claus Parade has a history of 75 years and is the oldest Christmas parade in Canada. The number of spectators over the years has ranged from 200,000 to 300,000, and locals look forward to the popular annual event. Many families, including their children and the elderly, gather to watch the Christmas parade, which is a traditional event.

The streets of the city center were crowded with people by 11 a.m., and the parade route was lined with spectators. Floats, Santa Claus, fairies, elves, and various cartoon characters appeared, singing and dancing, and the scene was full of joy.

The Tian Guo Marching Band was the largest in the parade. They were peaceful and majestic, and were welcomed by the audience. Shouts of “Bravo” were heard from time to time along the way.

Before the parade, Glenn Castanheira, executive director of the parade organization SDA, said that every year the Tian Guo Marching Band is loved by the people, and their arrival brings a great feeling to the parade. “Especially the [joyful] expressions of the children when they see the band passing by, which makes everyone very happy. It’s amazing.”

Glenn Castanheira, SDA executive director

Local resident Arey commended the band.

Arey, a Montreal resident, praised the Tian Guo Marching Band and said it was the most beautiful of all the parade teams. “This Chinese team is the best I have ever seen. They are amazing, their costumes are beautiful, and they are gorgeous.” She also said that she was impressed by the orderly organization. When she learned that the band was spreading the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she happily said, “Wow, I didn’t expect that even the message was so wonderful.”

Anna from Newfoundland, Canada

Anna from Newfoundland said she liked the Tian Guo Marching Band, “It was nice to watch. I liked it very much. I never saw it before. It was great to see them and different cultures celebrating the winter Christmas holidays in different ways.”

The message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance delivered by the band resonated with Anna. She said, “[Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance] are exactly what everyone should follow, especially with so many things happening in the world today. We should all keep it in mind and treat others with kindness and respect.”