(Minghui.org) Over 2,000 people from nearly 70 organizations participated in the 47th Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables Harvest Festival in Skierniewice, Poland on September 14, 2024. Falun Dafa practitioners provided peaceful exercise demonstrations and an energetic dragon dance performance which were well received by spectators.

Practitioners participated in the 47th Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables Harvest Festival on September 14 in Skierniewice, Poland.

Skierniewice is home to the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, a research and development unit supervised by the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Starting in 1977, this annual event has expanded over time and now the festival includes more than agriculture. To accommodate more attendees, the event took place at the municipal stadium at Pomologicznej. Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland, and Skierniewice mayor Krzysztof Jażdżyk joined the opening ceremony together with other government officials.

Starting from the intersection at Prymasowska and Senatorska, the parade went through Kościuszki, Konstytucji 3 Maja, and Sobieskiego. After passing Rybickiego and Pomologiczna, it arrived at the stadium stage.

Parliament Member Praises Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Polish Parliament Member Adrian Witczak said during the opening ceremony that we should thank the hard work of farmers when we enjoy beautiful flowers as well as delicious fruits and vegetables. We should also be grateful for the blessings from the divine.

Parliament Member Adrian Witczak

Witczak praised Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance and said they are universal values that can help us build a strong society.

City Councilor: Continuing the Tradition

Jarosław Chęcielewski, president of Skierniewice City Council, watched the entire parade from the stage and gave a speech.

Jarosław Chęcielewski is the president of Skierniewice City Council

Chęcielewski said the parade is important because it showcases traditions like farming, gardening, and related research. He said, “We thank farmers and gardeners for what they brought us. The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are needed in every profession and it is absolutely the case.”

Township Mayor: A Moral Foundation

Marek Sałek is the mayor of Lipce Reymontowskie, a town about 20 kilometers from Skierniewice that includes 9 villages that produce fruit. He said the event allows us to exhibit our efforts, celebrate our produce, and thank the divine.

Mayor Marek Sałek

He also agreed with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. No matter where we come from or what belief we have, we need to cherish these values because they are the moral foundation that covers everything, Sałek added.

Guidance for Our Life

Sławomir Nowak is a vice president of MIRBUD SA, one of the largest construction companies in Poland. He attended the event as a special guest. MIRBUD SA is also based in Skierniewice.

Sławomir Nowak, vice president of MIRBUD SA

Nowak said Poland is famous for producing fruits and vegetables, and is especially known for horticulture. He said he didn’t know much about Falun Dafa, but he agreed we need higher principles to guide our lives.

Harmony Between Heaven and Earth

Trojan Urszula who wore a colorful traditional costume said she is grateful to the divine for the harvest of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. She praised the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said moral values are very important, and we need harmony between heaven and earth.

Trojan Urszula said she thanked the divine for the harvest.