New York Lunar New Year Parade: Spectators Hope Falun Gong Can Parade in China One Day

February 21, 2026, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year in the Bingwu Year of the Horse. Falun Gong practitioners participate in the Chinese New Year parade in Flushing, New York, bringing blessings and goodwill. — Zhang Jingyi / The Dajiyuan

[People News]“Return to one’s true origin to welcome the New Year; spring fills the world with renewed harmony of heaven, earth, and humankind.” On February 21, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year in the Bingwu Year of the Horse, the New York Chinese New Year Parade was held in Flushing, the largest Chinese community in North America, drawing massive crowds.

Falun Dafa groups joined the grand celebration with a magnificent and colorful procession rich in traditional Chinese culture. Showcasing the beauty of Falun Dafa and the principles of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,” they brought festivity, peace, and blessings to spectators. Some audience members said they hope Falun Gong can one day return to mainland China to parade openly.

A Spectacular Falun Gong Procession; “Farewell to the Old Year, Welcome the New” Song Echoes Through the Streets

Founded in 1996, the Flushing Lunar New Year Parade is the largest of its kind in North America. This year marks its 30th anniversary milestone. The atmosphere was lively and jubilant, with drums beating, dragons soaring, and lions leaping throughout central Flushing.

Falun Gong groups have participated in the parade for more than 20 years, offering New Year greetings and blessings to Chinese and other ethnic communities. Their procession shimmered with vibrant colors and strong elements of traditional Chinese culture.

The Falun Gong contingent featured the majestic Tian Guo Marching Band, the “Celestial Realm” float, festive dragon and lion dances, powerful waist drums, elegant lotus dances, disciplined flag formations, and more—brilliant and diverse, dazzling to the eye.

When the Tian Guo Marching Band, dressed in ancient-style uniforms, entered the parade, it immediately captivated the audience. The drums and horns resounded to the sky with a grand, surging momentum like galloping horses. A powerful, compassionate energy seemed to envelop the street, as spectators on both sides raised their phones to capture photos and videos.

Multiple photo captions repeated as in original, describing Falun Gong practitioners participating in the February 21, 2026 parade in Flushing, New York, bringing blessings and goodwill. Zhang Jingyi / The Dajiyuan

Spectators: Hope to See Falun Gong Return to China to Parade

Some spectators expressed hope that one day Falun Gong could return to mainland China to parade freely. An 85-year-old man said he believes he will see that day in his lifetime, adding that the moral and cultural rebuilding of the Chinese people depends on “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.”

Banners carried by the Falun Gong procession conveyed uplifting messages and wishes for auspiciousness and a peaceful future. They read:

  • “Plum blossoms bloom in countless places to celebrate the New Year; everywhere in the world shines Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.”

  • “Bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new into every home; suppress evil and promote goodness as blessings arrive.”

  • “Truth dispels confusion and brings blessings to millions of families; Dafa spreads across the seas and continents.”

  • “Withdraw from the Party in accordance with heaven’s will; divine beings protect you; the Nine Commentaries enter homes bringing virtue.”

  • “Eliminate evil and avoid misfortune as the old year ends; save people and welcome auspiciousness in the New Year.”

  • “Spread the Nine Commentaries; winter plums greet blessings through snow; encourage the Three Withdrawals as spring flowers bloom across China.”

Multiple photo captions repeated as in original, describing Falun Gong practitioners participating in the February 21, 2026 parade in Flushing, New York, bringing blessings and goodwill. Zhang Jingyi / The Dajiyuan

The joyful and upbeat “Farewell to the Old Year, Welcome the New—Song of Blessings” echoed through the streets, offering good wishes:

“May you gain peace,
May you form good bonds,
May you always keep kindness in your heart,
And your path grow ever wider.
Falun Dafa is good, each word shines with golden light.
Remember Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance—
Let us meet again next year!”

Crowds of Chinese and Western Spectators Praise Falun Gong

Flushing’s central district sees more than 100,000 visitors daily, making it one of New York City’s busiest neighborhoods after Times Square. On parade day, crowds packed Main Street three layers deep. Faces were filled with smiles, and many praised the Falun Gong procession.

“We look forward to Falun Gong every year!”

Chinese spectator Du Hairong became emotional when the Falun Gong procession appeared. “Magnificent! So powerful! Every year, I most look forward to Falun Gong’s group!”

Mr.Du Hairong praises Falun Gong (Lin Dan, Dajiyuan)

He added: “Falun Gong’s greatest merit is exposing and spreading the truth. They speak the people’s heartfelt words. I admire them deeply. Freedom of belief and spiritual freedom are the most important.”

“Hope Falun Gong can parade in China!”

Chinese spectator Yang Lei said: “Falun Gong is a faith. A parade like this symbolizes American freedom and democracy. There is no such freedom in China. I hope one day Falun Gong can return to China to parade.”

Mr. Yang Lei (Lin Dan, Dajiyuan)

Mr. Xu Jiankang (Lin Dan, Dajiyuan)

Xu Jiankang said: “Their presence is awe-inspiring. I hope China can one day have such parades, and that Chinese people will have freedom, dignity, and human rights.”

“The Tian Guo Marching Band rivals a national orchestra!”

Du Hairong pointed to the passing band and said excitedly: “Unparalleled! Comparable to a national-level orchestra! I hope one day they can return to mainland China.”

Keeley, a Western spectator moved to tears, said: “I almost cried when I saw them. They touched my heart. Their group is so beautiful. My face hurts from smiling. I feel like I’m in a loving community filled with warmth.”

Keeley (Lin Dan, Dajiyuan)

“Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance are the best principles.”

Mr. Yang, watching with his child, said he often reads The Dajiyuan and watches NTD. “Falun Gong practitioners have a different spirit. ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance’ are the best principles.”

He added that their perseverance in spreading the truth has helped change many Chinese people’s minds.

Mr. Yang (Lin Dan Dajiyuan)

“Chinese people privately admire Falun Gong.”

Mr. Gui Yuncai (Lin Dan Dajiyuan)

Gui Yuncai, who left China in 2021, said: “Under high pressure in China, people don’t dare speak openly, but privately many admire Falun Gong.”

He recalled witnessing a local police chief voluntarily sweeping streets after beginning Falun Gong practice. “His entire demeanor changed. I was shocked. I knew then that Falun Gong was good.”

“China’s moral and cultural revival depends on ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.’”

Mr. Wu Chongruo (Lin Dan Dajiyuan)

Eighty-five-year-old Christian Wu Chongru said: “Falun Gong’s greatest contribution is ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.’ China’s future cultural and moral rebuilding depends on it.”

A lifelong Christian, he said: “From our perspective, Mr. Li Hongzhi is like a prophet. In Chinese culture, he could be called a sage. His words transcend ordinary human understanding.”

He concluded: “I believe I will see Falun Gong parade in mainland China in my lifetime. When that day comes, it will be extraordinary… China’s moral and cultural revival depends on ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.’”

(Reported by Lin Dan, The Dajiyuan, New York)
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