Canada: Divine Land Marching Band Participates for the First Time in the Greek Community Parade in Toronto

The annual Greek Independence Day Parade held on March 27th, 2011 in Toronto attracted more than 20,000 spectators. The Divine Land Marching Band, composed of more than 80 Falun Gong practitioners, participated for the first time in this event. Their bright uniforms and resounding performance stood out during the parade. Spectators along the parade route gave them enthusiastic applause and the organisers highly praised them.

Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participated for the first time in the Greek Independence Day Parade on March 27th, 2011

The coordinator of the parade Mr. Andy Tzemis said that he was satisfied with the Divine Land Marching Band. He said that he heard many spectators along the parade route express their thanks to the band and give them warm applause. “We like their music, every piece,” he said.

When the Divine Land Marching Band marched to the end of the parade, they were invited by the organiser to remain and continue performing in front of the main stage, until all the entries came to their destination. Mr. Tzemis said that guests and dignitaries including provincial and city council members commended the band's performance.

The Divine Land Marching Band performed “Falun Dafa is Good”, “Fa Rectifies Heaven and Earth”, “Falun Holy King” and the Canadian song, “The Maple Leaf Forever.” The appreciative audience applauded and cheered. They clapped their hands in time to the music.

Some Toronto residents expressed their pleasant surprise to see the Divine Land Marching Band for the first time. They liked the band's blue and white uniforms, which they said resembled the Greek flag in colour. Some people said that the music emitted energy. Paula Carneigo brought her five-year-old son to come watch the parade. She said the music was powerful. When she learned that the members of the band are Falun Gong practitioners, she said that she would find out more about Falun Gong.