(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in the Netherlands held activities in Dam Square, Amsterdam on May 9, 2026, to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa and the 27th World Falun Dafa Day. Human rights organizations Amnesty International Netherland and Human Rights Without Frontiers Nederland sent congratulatory letters for the event.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was first taught publicly by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun City, China on May 13, 1992. Due to its outstanding health benefits and raising people’s moral standards, within a few years, millions of people practiced Falun Dafa in China, and the practice spread throughout the world.

May 9 in Amsterdam was a bright, sunny day. Large banners with the messages “Wishing Master Happy Birthday on World Falun Dafa Day,” “Falun Dafa” and “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” written in Chinese, English, as well as Dutch were put up in Dam Square. 

To start off the day’s celebrations, the waist drum team performed the song “Falun Dafa Is Good.” This was followed by exercise demonstrations and a fairy maiden dance by young practitioners wearing traditional Han Dynasty costumes. The joyous, peaceful atmosphere attracted many tourists, and passersby took out their phones and cameras to take photos. Some danced along to the music, sharing in the joy of the event.

Practitioners celebrate World Falun Dafa Day at Dam Square in Amsterdam on May 9, 2026.

Waist drum performances during the World Falun Dafa Day celebrations in Amsterdam.

Fairy maiden dance by young practitioners during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations in Amsterdam.

Passersby enjoy the World Falun Dafa Day celebrations and learn more about Falun Dafa.

Human Rights Organizations Congratulate Event and Express Support

Ms. Kayan Wong, chairperson of the Netherlands Falun Dafa Association, read a congratulatory letter from Amnesty International Nederland. The organization reaffirmed its support for Falun Gong practitioners and stated: “In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of thought, belief and religion, along with freedom of association and assembly, are collectively referred to as freedom of expression.”

The letter also called on: “The authorities in China to stop wantonly persecuting Falun Gong practitioners, release all imprisoned for simply exercising the right to freedom of belief and speech.”

Ms. Kayan Wong, chairperson of the Netherlands Falun Dafa Association, reads a congratulatory letter from Amnesty International Nederland.

Hans Noot, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers Netherlands, also sent a letter congratulating the occasion. He wrote, “We firmly support Falun Gong practitioners. We promise to continue amplifying your voices until justice is served.”

The World Needs Peace

Dima from Ukraine and his friend loved the practitioners’ performances. He said, “Before the war broke out, I saw people wearing yellow shirts in Kyiv. They were meditating and I saw similar pictures [about the persecution]. Even during the war, I see them meditating peacefully. You bring a calming energy.”

He agrees with the guiding principles of Falun Dafa—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance: “The world is too chaotic. There are wars in all parts of the world. We must stop, endure, be calm. Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance can help us improve human relationships, and stop the violence and injury.”

Dima (right) from Ukraine

People Thank and Encourage Practitioners

Deylaw and her parents were holidaying in the Netherlands, when she saw the celebrations at Dam Square. She said to the practitioners, “I saw a rally in Germany last year and learned a little about the persecution. I loved today’s performance, whether it is the waist drum or the dancing, I loved all of them. Thank you for bringing us a different, traditional culture. I am heartbroken by the persecution you experience in China, and I hope you gain freedom soon!”

Deylaw (middle) and her family from Germany.

Annabel and Shakra were also drawn to the activities. Annabel said, “Meditation looks good, very peaceful.”

Shakra said, “It’s peaceful here. I think I’d like to join them.”

Referring to Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Annabel said, “This is the foundation of society. It teaches people how to get along with one another.”

Shakra thought if everyone followed these principles, society would improve. They wished practitioners a happy World Falun Dafa Day and encouraged them with, “Keep doing this; you will awaken more people and gain the freedom you deserve ultimately.”