(Minghui.org) The Tian Guo Marching Band from Toronto was invited to participate in the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade on October 13, 2025.

This year marked the 57th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade, which is one of Canada’s largest celebrations of Germany’s Bavarian culture. It featured a variety of floats, band performances, and dance troupes. The parade began at 9:30 a.m. and was broadcast live on CTV.

The Tian Guo Marching Band, which is made up of Falun Gong practitioners, once again served as the parade’s grand finale. The band’s drumbeats and wind and brass instruments resonated through the October sunshine and the soft autumn breeze.

During the band’s rehearsal prior to the parade, passersby took photos and videos. A number of Chinese people expressed their admiration for the band’s traditional attire and many took photos.

The Tian Guo Marching Band participates in the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade on October 13, 2025.

Mr. Grayson, one of the parade organizers, said, “I know the Tian Guo Marching Band has participated in our parade for the past few years. I think the band really brings a lot of energy to the parade, with its striking colors and impressive presence along the entire parade route.” 

Mr. Grayson, one of the parade organizers

Spectators Commend the Band

Local resident Tony watched the Thanksgiving Day parade with his family. As the Tian Guo Marching Band passed by, they all applauded. Tony said, “This band is amazing! Without a doubt, it is number one in the parade.”

A practitioner told Tony that the band’s members are all Falun Gong practitioners. In answer to Tony’s question, the practitioner explained that Falun Gong practice sites are now widespread throughout the world, and that practitioners adhere to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The practitioner recommended an online exercise website. Tony said he was pleased to get this information, accepted a flyer, and thanked the practitioner.

Local resident Tony

Anna, a nurse who lives near the parade route, told a practitioner, “The band played great music, and it sounded very unified. Also, I really like their uniforms; they look great.”

Local resident Anna

A practitioner explained to Anna that the band members are dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, and said they all practice Falun Gong and follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

Anna said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are exactly what people need right now. If people could guide their lives with more love for others, the world would become a better place. Applying truthfulness to oneself and others, having compassion, and being willing to understand what others are going through is all very true.”

Lakshay from India is an online teacher who teaches children mathematics and science. He said he really enjoyed the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music, adding that this was the first time he’d heard the band’s performance. He said he really liked that this parade integrated multiple cultures.

Lakshay from India

After learning that the band members are all Falun Gong practitioners who live in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Lakshay said, “For me, truth is the only thing that can help people move forward. Lies can only lead you forward in a false way, not in a true way. Therefore, truth can help people move forward.

“Compassion is even more essential to life. As we all know, without compassion for others, it’s difficult to build trust. Without trust, there’s nothing.”