(Minghui.org) On May 8, practitioners in Paris held an event at Place Colette in the 1st arrondissement to celebrate the 26th anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day (May 13). The event featured group exercises, musical performances, and a dragon dance. Many people stopped to watch, and took photos and videos. Some learned how to do the exercises, while others signed a petition to support practitioners’ efforts to expose the persecution.

Practitioners held activities on May 8 at Place Colette in Paris to celebrate the 26th anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners do the Falun Dafa exercises.

A practitioner plays solo flute pieces titled “Reciting the Grace of Master” and “Falun Dafa Is Good.”

Practitioners perform a waist drum dance.

The president of the French Falun Dafa Association gives a speech.

Annie Joubert and her daughter.

After Annie learned about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China, she said, “I support peace in the world because it’s the most important thing. And it truly can be achieved through the power of the people. The more we express who we are, what it means to be human, and stay true to that, the stronger we will be, together.”

After signing the petition against the persecution, she added, “We all know that persecution is terrible. Events like this, where people can connect in real life instead of just online, help everyone become more informed.”

A group of high school students from Belgium signed the petition to support practitioners in their efforts to end the persecution. Among them were Jeff Devos (first from the right) and Jean (second from the right).

Jeff Devos was very interested in Falun Dafa. He meditated with the practitioners for five minutes and said, “It really helped me calm down.” He said the exercises were simple and easy to learn.

Jeff added, “It’s great to hold this kind of event in public because it draws attention. People get curious and want to find out what Falun Dafa is.”

Jean said, “Actually, this is a very serious issue for the Chinese people. If there were no Communist Party, people wouldn’t be persecuted.” He continued, “I think people need to become better, and we should always strive to do better. The quality of life should improve. But in China, that’s clearly not the case.”

People from around the world signed the petition to support Falun Gong after learning the truth.

Livio, from Guadeloupe (a French overseas territory), took part in the May 13 celebration in Paris.

Livio, a practitioner from Guadeloupe, joined the May 13 celebration event in Paris. He lives on a small island near Guadeloupe and runs his own food truck.

He said he talked with Falun Dafa practitioners who introduced the practice on the island, and that was how he began practicing. “It has been incredibly beneficial for me, especially after going through a difficult time. Master helped me get through the trials,” he said. He also said that Udumbara flowers bloomed several times in his home.

He said practicing Falun Dafa changed his outlook on life. It helped him become kinder to others, develop mentally, and completely transformed his life.