Nearly 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners from the Greater New York area filled Midtown Manhattan with color and calm on May 13, marching in a large-scale parade to celebrate the 27th World Falun Dafa Day and the 34th anniversary of the spiritual discipline’s public introduction.
The procession started near United Nations Plaza and proceeded west along bustling 42nd Street—one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors—passing Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Times Square, and the Broadway theater district before ending near the Chinese Consulate. With vibrant banners, live music, and practitioners demonstrating the practice’s gentle exercises, the parade created an atmosphere of peace amid the city’s usual hustle, drawing large crowds of locals and international tourists.
Visitors on Message of Peace and Resilience
Some visitors said they were particularly struck by both the scale of the event and the message, and shared their observations with The Epoch Times.French lawyer Emma, vacationing in New York with her boyfriend, was drawn to the exercise demonstrations. A yoga and meditation practitioner herself, she called the large parade in the heart of Manhattan “really impressive.” Upon learning of the ongoing persecution in China, she noted the contrast with democratic societies: “For the Chinese people, it’s really hard because they don’t have the same rights or as much freedom as we do.”
French lawyer Emma and her boyfriend, who were vacationing in New York, watched the Falun Dafa Day parade in Midtown Manhattan on May 13, 2026. Yu Lili/The Epoch Times
Swedish investment relations manager Alessio and his girlfriend Jenny, a technical assistant, described the procession as “spectacular” and “incredible.” Alessio expressed sympathy for practitioners who peacefully follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance while facing severe repression in China. He added that seeking inner health through such practices is the right choice. Jenny said the event inspired her to learn more.
Swedish investment relations manager Alessio and his girlfriend, technical assistant Jenny, watched the Falun Dafa Day parade in Midtown Manhattan on May 13, 2026. Yu Lili/The Epoch Times
Portuguese-born fitness gym owner and CrossFit trainer João Pedro watched with his girlfriend. After reviewing information about Falun Dafa, he expressed disbelief that such a practice is banned in China. “We need more peace and freedom, good ideas, and different cultures,” he said.
João Pedro, a gym owner from Spain, and his girlfriend Patrick Blanco, who were visiting New York, watched the Falun Dafa Day parade in Midtown Manhattan on May 13, 2026. Yu Lili/The Epoch Times
Charles Johnson, a young CEO from Indianapolis, attended with colleagues after a friend recommended the event. He called the parade “beautiful,” joyful, and safe, saying it inspired him to try Falun Gong himself. “Expressing what you believe is a powerful thing,” he noted, calling it an inspiration for people to live authentically.
Young CEO Charles Johnson from Indianapolis (L) brought his colleagues to watch the Falun Dafa Day parade in Midtown Manhattan on May 13, 2026. He said he plans to try practicing Falun Gong after returning home. Yu Lili/The Epoch Times
New Yorkers, Diplomats Respond Warmly
Pakistani diplomat Khan at the United Nations, who has watched previous parades, praised the event’s peaceful music, informative banners, and the practitioners’ spirit. He recorded videos to share with friends.New Yorker Ariana Galesi, an early childhood teacher and painter, encountered the parade for the second time this year. She appreciated its energy, cultural beauty, and the bright yellow attire that she said exuded joy.
New Yorker Ariana Galesi watched the Falun Dafa Day parade in Midtown Manhattan on May 13, 2026. Lin Nan/The Epoch Times
Administrative worker Pabel Garcia, of Mexican heritage, was drawn by the music and resonated with the principles of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” and the call to return to traditional values.
Dr. Ellen Ferranti, a New York physician with over 40 years of experience, said the parade deepened her understanding of the persecution. She expressed gratitude for American freedoms and a commitment to advocate for change: “We are all human… We should grasp these opportunities to listen, educate ourselves, and push for change.”
Recent Chinese immigrant Chen brought his child to the event and said the parade “promotes righteousness.” He hoped that widespread adherence to truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance would create a more harmonious world.
What Is Falun Dafa?
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is a traditional spiritual discipline centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Introduced publicly in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the practice quickly spread by word of mouth throughout the decade, reaching tens of millions of people in China, with many reporting major improvements in health and well-being.27 Years of Persecution in China
Considering Falun Gong’s popularity a threat to its authority, in July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched a brutal nationwide campaign to eradicate the practice. The persecution has continued for almost 27 years, involving mass arrests, imprisonment, torture, forced labor, propaganda, and forced organ harvesting. While Falun Gong is practiced freely in the United States and other parts of the world, it remains harshly suppressed inside China.Many who watched the Manhattan parade said it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of religious liberty and the need to speak out against injustice.
Yu Lili and Lin Nan contributed to this report.
