Germany: “I am awed by your courage.”

The fifth Frankfurt Culture Festival was held in downtown Frankfurt. Participating in this parade, there were over sixty groups from different countries in their tribal costumes together with their ornate floats. One purpose of this culture festival is against resisting foreign cultures so that Frankfurt can be a city known for its culture diversity. 180 ethnic groups in this city from other parts of this world can mutually understand one another, live peacefully, and make progress. The Falun Gong group has taken part in this activity since the first year of the parade. This year, over 180 Falun Gong practitioners paraded through the streets.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of the Celestial Band

Falun Gong practitioners, representing ancient Chinese culture, held up a large banner that read, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance”. Falun Gong practitioners live their lives by the principle of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”

No sooner had the parade began than a thunderstorm struck. Those who participated in the parade were soaked through in no time. About twenty groups dropped out of the parade. Meanwhile, Falun Gong’s “Celestial Band”, a dance troupe, waist-drum troupe, and practitioners demonstrating Falun Gong exercises were never scared off by the thunderstorm. They felt at ease to continue their performance. No wonder a senior citizen said with sincerity, “I am awed by your courage. The other groups have been intimidated by the thunderstorm.”

For the first time the Celestial Band made an appearance at the festival. The Band consists of 135 Falun Gong practitioners from Germany, Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain.

Seeing the Band's performance, a policeman could not help saying, “It’s amazing!” The appearance of the Band drew a great deal of attention from the audience and earned them enthusiastic applause. When the Falun Gong group passed by, Mr. J, an African aged forty who lives in Frankfurt, said, “It’s wonderful. What an orderly team, distinguishing itself from the others. That marching band particularly appeals to me. They look splendid and impressive.”

A Spaniard living in Frankfurt said, “At first I mistook it for a German marching band. But now it appears to surpass the other teams. How incredible it is.”

Exquisite fan dancing and lotus dancing led the viewers to appreciate ancient Chinese divine culture.

After seeing the parade, a gentleman aged around fifty said, “I belong to the Bolivian team. I could sense the peace and harmony that belongs here. Your music can bring us calm. Therefore, I walk toward you.”

After the parade came to an end, its organiser Ms. Jander particularly praised the Celestial Band and expressed her eagerness to see a performance by the Band next year.