(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in San Francisco, USA participated in the Fog Fest parade, held in Pacifica, Northern California on September 23, 2023. This was the first time practitioners participated in this parade, and they were welcomed by the local people.
Pacifica is located on the Pacific coast between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay. It is a famous local surfing resort. The city is often shrouded in clouds and fog and is known as the Fog City. This weekend of September was chosen for the parade because it was known to have the least fog during these days.
The practitioners’ exercise team and the waist drum team participated in the parade. Mr. Wu Junxiang, who organised practitioners for this event, said that they should try their best to participate in local activities in the San Francisco Bay Area, and bring the beauty of Falun Dafa to all parts of the Bay Area.
Mr. Wu said that today’s parade was very good. “Our team was well organised, and many people welcomed us. A lot of spectators were on both sides of the street and they showed their enthusiasm for the parade. Many people asked for our informational Dafa materials, mainly brochures.”
Ms. Ma, a practitioner who participated in the parade, said that a spectator pressed her hands together in front of her chest and was moved to tears when the practitioners’ team passed by. She said, “I was also moved when I saw that this person was so moved. A friendly man also pressed his hands together in front of his chest to us.”
The Fog Fest Parade began at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The streets were packed with spectators watching the parade. When the Falun Dafa practitioners’ team appeared, the audience clapped and cheered. They asked in surprise and joy, “Where did this team come from? It was very peaceful.” Some spectators kept waving and taking photos. While some spectators copied the practitioners’ exercise movements.
When practitioners passed by the podium, the host introduced Falun Dafa to the audience. The host said that Falun Dafa is a practice of body and mind and includes meditation. He informed the public that Falun Dafa practitioners follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and that everyone is welcome to learn and practice Falun Dafa.
Martin Anaya, the parade’s organiser praised the practitioners’ team and said, “I know that Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa) is persecuted in China. I hope that Falun Gong, Christians, and members of other faith groups can practice their beliefs freely [in China]. I support the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance that Falun Dafa practitioners believe in. I think they are universal principles that we should follow in our lives.”
Susan Stallard, a parade volunteer who helped maintain order, gave a thumbs up and said, “This team is so beautiful. Every team member is amazing. They keep doing the exercises, very peaceful.”
Cynthia Sabrina, a resident in Pacifica, was also attracted by the peaceful exercises when the practitioners’ team passed by. She followed their movements and began to practice it. She said, “Watching their exercise movements gives me a comfortable feeling. I feel very good when I do the exercises.”
When she learned that the principles of Falun Dafa are Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “These principles are so beautiful. Although I don’t know much about Falun Dafa yet, I think it is a very good practice.”
Richard said he had been to China and knew about Falun Dafa. He said, “I am very happy to see the practitioners. The practitioners’ team is very beautiful. It is amazing. I think this is a very good practice.”
Kelly watched the parade with her husband. She praised Falun Dafa, “This exercise is beautiful and peaceful. It’s very interesting to see their team. The waist drum team is also very beautiful, marching in unison and very neatly. Their costumes are very bright, and the dance and music were beautifully choreographed.”
Eren brought his wife and children to watch the parade. He was very happy to see the practitioners’ waist drum team. He said, “This team is colorful and varied in postures.” He proudly said that he had seen a Shen Yun performance and knew about Falun Dafa.
Chinese version available
(Clearwisdom)
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