(Minghui.org) Practitioners were invited to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holyoke, Massachusetts for the fourth time on March 17, 2023, and the Tian Guo Marching Band won the Most Outstanding Unit Award. 

The weather was warm and beautiful. The rain stopped as the parade began. Approximately 350,000 people from across the northeast U.S. lined the 2.65-mile-long parade route. Participants and spectators wore green clothing and clover decorations to celebrate the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Local TV stations broadcast the event live. 

As last year’s award recipient, the Tian Guo Marching Band headed this year’s parade. The band, composed of over 100 musicians, performed original music, including “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “The Holy Falun King,” “The Sacred Song,” etc. 

The Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2024

The hosts introduced the Tian Guo Marching Band as it passed the stage, “The Tian Guo Marching Band was established in New York in 2005. Their procession looks incredible! Members of the band practice Falun Dafa, and follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They were awarded the Most Outstanding Unit last year.”

People give the Tian Guo Marching Band a thumbs-up.

Spectators along the route greeted the Tian Guo Marching Band with rounds of applause. Some shouted out, “Great job!” “Excellent!”

The director of the band, Ms. Michelle Mi, said, “I saw people’s eyes brighten. It’s rare to see people wearing Tang Dynasty costumes and hear such powerful, original music. We hope to share the message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance with everyone.”