(Minghui.org) The day before the 2025 Nordic Falun Dafa Experience-Sharing Conference, Dafa practitioners held two parades in Gothenburg, Sweden on September 20 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to Europe by Master Li Hongzhi. Master Li was invited to Europe to give two seminars on Falun Dafa in 1995, one in France and the other in Sweden, followed by a seven-day lecture series in Gothenburg. Since that time, an increasing number of Europeans have been practicing Falun Dafa.
The first parade was held in the morning, and the other took place in the afternoon. Starting from Gustaf Adolfs Torg, a public square in the city center, the morning parade passed along renowned Kungsportsavenyen (Gothenburg’s main boulevard) and past the Götaplatsen (a historic landmark) before returning to the busy Gothenburg Central Station. The afternoon parade passed several universities and Haga Nygata (a popular pedestrian street) before arriving at Slottsskogen city park.
Falun Dafa practitioners hold a parade in Gothenburg on the morning of September 20, 2025.
The waist drum team and Tian Guo Marching Band perform at the Gothenburg Central Station.
Starting from the same location, the parade in the afternoon marched past several universities and cultural sites.
Practitioners paraded through the popular Haga Nygata pedestrian street.
Many people stopped along Kungsportsavenyen to watch the parade, and take pictures of the Tian Guo Marching Band and bright banners emblazoned with “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.” As practitioners demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises, people wanted to know more about the festive occasion.
Improving Mind and Body
Karin Sidoli watches the parade step off.
Retired secretary Karin Sidoli came out to watch the parade after a friend who practices Falun Dafa told her about it. She was very happy to see Gustaf Adolfs Torg filled with Dafa practitioners. “It’s amazing so many people are here. This is awesome! I think more people need to know about Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Ms. Sidoli said she practiced Falun Dafa before, so she knows about the characteristics of the practice and the emphasis on being kind and sincere. “If more people followed the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, this world would be a better place—probably no more wars,” she said.
Referring the Falun Dafa’s health benefits, Ms. Sidoli remarked, “I could tell the difference [when practicing the exercises] because my body was no longer stiff. I think I’ll resume practicing.”
Elementary teacher Mina also agreed that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are critical and apply to everyone. Having heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), she said that events like this are important because they help people know what is going on.
“Nobody Will Say No”
Haga Nygata is a pedestrian street that is well known for its 19th-century atmosphere and cafes. Project manager Linnea and marketing director Anders were glad to see the parade as they sat together at a coffee shop.
Linnea smiled and said, “The parade is wonderful and peaceful. Especially the lion dance and waist drum at the end—they were my favorite.”
Anders noted that this parade is different from other events he’s seen, because of its peaceful nature. He said he’s seen practitioners doing the Falun Dafa exercises at Slottsskogen and has heard about the ongoing suppression of Falun Dafa in China.
Linnea said she agrees with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance because they are powerful. “Nobody will say no to such teachings,” added Anders. Both of them were glad Falun Dafa has been practiced in Europe for 30 years.
Traditional Values
Taxi driver Kia Darafkan watched the parade while he took a break from work. “I found this parade unique and interesting.The melodies are pleasant and special, and not something I’ve heard before. I like them and I hope to know more about the meaning behind the music.”
After reading a Falun Dafa flyer, Mr. Darafkan said he believes that Falun Dafa can help improve people’s lives. “I want to thank you for organizing such a great event. I also like the hardworking Chinese people and their traditional values,” he added.
Mr. Darafkan said he knows about the harm the CCP has caused in China, but he feels that things could change over time. “I think every country will move in the right direction eventually. I also sincerely hope Falun Dafa practitioners and the Chinese people in general will be blessed with a better life.”
Learning the Practice
Ida is interested in learning Falun Dafa.
Ida stood in front of the city library and took out her cell phone to take videos of the parade. “The parade is excellent, beautiful, with outstanding music,” she exclaimed. Although this was the first time she’s heard about Falun Dafa, Ida found the practice beneficial and said the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance can provide people with a better life.
After reading a flyer, Ida expressed concern that something so wonderful as a parade could not be held in China: “The persecution is horrible because people cannot practice what they want to. Tragedies like forced organ harvesting are really ruthless.”
Ida was excited to learn that Falun Dafa was introduced to Europe 30 years ago and is now practiced in over 100 countries. She asked where she could learn the practice and was happy to know she could find information free of charge on the Internet. She was thankful for the information and said she looked forward to joining local practitioners.
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