Canada: Falun Gong Procession Impresses Large Audience at St. Patrick's Day Parade in Vancouver

On March 16th, 2008, Falun Gong practitioners from Vancouver, Canada participated in the 5th St Patrick's Day parade. The Divine Land Marching Band, "celestial maidens" in traditional costumes, drummers and a beautiful float attracted the attention of the spectators. Over 100,000 people attended this event.

Divine Land Marching Band in the parade

Graceful "celestial maidens" dance by Falun Gong practitioners

Falun Gong practitioners demonstrate exercises on beautiful float

Banners of "Falun Dafa is good" and "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance"

As soon as the Divine Land Marching Band appeared, people along the streets applauded and waved to the sound of the drums, along with the music, "Falun Dafa is Good," "Fa Rectifies the Universe," "Delivering Precious Gifts" and "Fa Drums and Fa Trumpets Shake the Ten Directions." The music seemed to enter people's hearts and strike a sympathetic chord, as some people were moved to tears while listening to the music, which was composed by Falun Gong practitioners. At the conclusion of the song, "The Maple Leaf Forever," some westerners in the audience loudly said, "Thank you!"

The "Celestial maidens" followed the band, and their colorful costumes and dancing drew applause and cheers from the crowd. Chinese and western practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the beautiful float, and some spectators copied the movements on the spot.

The Falun Gong contingent was the longest procession in the parade, and also included banners with the messages "Falun Dafa is good" and "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance."

Two ladies from South Korea said that they felt the Falun Gong contingent was extremely beautiful, and the group was magnificent.