(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held a grand parade in the San Francisco Bay Area on May 9, 2026, to celebrate the upcoming World Falun Dafa Day, which falls on May 13. Members of the Democratic Party of China (San Francisco Chapter) joined the festivities to show their support.
Practitioners performed the exercises at the Ferry Building Plaza on May 9, 2026, to celebrate May 13, World Falun Dafa Day.
The waist drum team performed.
Members of the Democratic Party of China (San Francisco Chapter) came to show their support for Falun Dafa.
Falun Dafa practitioners gathered in front of the San Francisco Ferry Building that morning to demonstrate the exercises to the public and share information about Falun Dafa. Many tourists and locals stopped to ask about the event.
The World Falun Dafa Day celebration parade commenced at 11 a.m. from the San Francisco Ferry Building. Participants walked along Embarcadero Blvd, through Fisherman’s Wharf, before concluding the parade at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Parade in the San Francisco Bay Area to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the birthday of their founder Master Li Hongzhi.
The parade included performances by the Tian Guo Marching Band, dragon dance team, small parade floats, practitioners carrying flags and banners, and practitioners dressed as heavenly fairies. Many spectators took photos.
The Secret to Good Health
Falun Dafa practitioner Julia Karpova began practicing Falun Dafa in Russia 22 years ago. She said that many people in Russia identify closely with the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Julia Karpova at the World Falun Dafa Day celebrations.
Julia began practicing Falun Dafa during her final year at the university. She said practicing Falun Dafa helped her overcome her deep-seated fears, strengthened her mental fortitude, and helped her face the immense pressure of her graduation exams. She achieved excellent results in her exams.
Practicing Falun Dafa improved Julia’s health. Several of her chronic ailments, including pharyngitis, disappeared after she started practicing. At 45 years old, Julia looks younger than her peers. While her friends rely on Botox and other artificial methods to reduce signs of aging, Falun Dafa has allowed Julia to maintain her youth and health.
Julia said, “I’m here to celebrate Master’s birthday. I want to thank Master Li Hongzhi for his compassionate salvation.”
A New Practitioner Shares His Personal Journey
Yusef Masjedi, who started practicing Falun Dafa only ten months ago, talked about what inspired him to practice.
Yusef Masjedi shared his cultivation experience.
The last year presented unforeseen challenges for Yusef and his family. His two-year-old child was severely scalded, while his father accidentally fell from a roof, and Yusef was involved in a car accident. These unfortunate events prompted Yusef to seek spiritual peace.
“Fortunately, all of us have recovered, and our lives are back on track.” During those turbulent days, Yusef recalled the words of his mother-in-law, a Falun Dafa practitioner. For years, she told him how wonderful Falun Dafa is. Yusef said this started him on the road to cultivation.
He said, “Dafa has shown me the way forward. Although trials in life are inevitable, I find myself better able to cope with these challenges. Applying the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance eased the way in many difficult situations.”
Democratic Party of China (San Francisco Chapter) Member Endorses Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Several members of the Democratic Party of China participated in the parade and showed their support for Falun Dafa. One member, Guo Zhijun, strongly agreed with Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He said peaceful and kind spiritual beliefs, such as Falun Dafa, can only benefit society and the world.
Guo Zhijun held a sign stating “Thank you, Falun Dafa, for breaking through the internet censorship” as he participated in the event.
Guo Zhijun said, “Violent wars, local conflicts, as well as terrorist attacks, are occurring more frequently. Instead of violence, I believe peaceful communication and kindness are key to resolving disagreements.”
Having encountered Falun Dafa practitioners when he was living in China, Guo Zhijun was impressed by their kind and peaceful demeanor. He also had a friend whose mother and uncle were arrested and imprisoned for years by the CCP for practicing Falun Dafa.
“They are very kind people,” he said. “My friend also practices Falun Dafa, though he has refrained from disclosing his faith publicly to avoid being arrested. My interactions with them convinced me that Falun Dafa is a faith that spreads love and kindness.”
Guo Zhijun believes fear is the motivating factor behind the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) prolonged campaign against Falun Dafa and its practitioners. “The fact that such good faith has been systematically persecuted further illustrates its evil nature. In order to maintain power, the CCP cruelly suppresses its own citizens.”
Guo Zhijun’s friend also came to support Falun Dafa.
As the activity head of the Democratic Party of China, Guo Zhijun brought seven others to support this event. Carrying banners and signs, members walked in the parade alongside Falun Dafa practitioners.
“We march alongside Falun Dafa practitioners in protest against the CCP’s persecution,” he said. “Besides Falun Dafa practitioners, the CCP has also persecuted many others, including pro-democracy activists, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience.”
Although he is a Christian and does not personally practice Falun Dafa, the persecution suffered by practitioners in China convinced Guo Zhijun to stand up in support of Falun Dafa.
Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Can Bring Peace and Hope
Kang Jiamin, a member of the Democratic Party of China, participated in the parade for the first time to support Falun Dafa and protest the CCP’s long-standing persecution of practitioners.
Kang Jiamin, a member of the Democratic Party of China, came to show his support for Falun Dafa.
“I learned a little about Falun Dafa during my childhood. From my experience, reports issued by the Chinese official media are completely different from those overseas. The CCP dares not tell the truth. They fear Falun Dafa practitioners’ adherence to their beliefs over the CCP’s teachings. This is why the CCP continues to persecute and fabricate various charges against Falun Dafa practitioners.”
Jiamin had a neighbor who practiced Falun Dafa and who was arrested by the police for his belief. “The CCP’s propaganda, taught to children and adults, is filled with lies and slander,” he said. After traveling overseas, Jiamin realized that Falun Dafa is different from what the CCP portrays it to be.
“What’s even more appalling is the forcible harvesting of organs from practitioners by the CCP. This is an extreme crime against humanity and completely unacceptable.” He believes that all sectors of society should stand up and speak out for these persecuted victims. “The persecution will only stop when more people know about the CCP’s cruelty and is destroyed, and people regain their freedom.”
Mr. Zeng, a member of the Democratic Party of China.
Jiamin said, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is key to upholding faith and a life filled with love. Compassion is kindness, while forbearance leads to tolerance and forgiveness. These are very positive values.”
Attending the event in person was a new experience for Jiamin. “The peaceful and serene atmosphere made for a truly refreshing experience,” he said. “Whether the exercise music or the practitioners’ demeanor, every aspect conveyed a sense of tranquility and goodwill.”
Totally In Favor of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
San Francisco resident Delance Thomson is no stranger to Falun Dafa and has been a strong supporter of practitioners’ activities. “I know about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China. Those reports of human rights abuses are heartbreaking. It’s important to support those who stand up for their rights.”
Delance Thompson expressed his support for Falun Dafa.
When asked why he supported the petition to end the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, Delance said, “The world is chaotic, so doing good deeds is very important. These are beautiful values, which is why I agree totally with the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
According to Delance, “It’s crucial to raise public awareness of what’s happening, because remaining silent can make the situation worse. We need to stand up for justice, so such events are truly outstanding!”
Practitioners Benefit the World
Taface, a yoga teacher from Los Angeles, said she was captivated by the peaceful atmosphere as practitioners did their exercises. “Something beneficial to humanity, the planet, and the world is happening here. There is a sense of community, wholeness, and peace.
“I strongly agree with the values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They are beneficial not only to society but also to the planet. If we follow these three principles, I believe everyone will live a better life.”
Regarding the persecution of practitioners in China, Taface said, “It’s truly tragic when a government oppresses its own people in this day and age. I’ve always felt saddened by it. I heard about the Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, and I’ve read media reports. The situation is simply terrifying and heartbreaking.”
A mother and her son from Boston admire the parade.
A mother and her son, who traveled by train from Boston to San Francisco, smiled as they watched the parade. The mother, Pamela Gold, commented, “The music drew me in. I love Chinese culture. I love the dragon and the energy surrounding this event. The band is amazing. We really enjoyed ourselves.” Her son, Greg, agreed, “It’s absolutely fantastic!”
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