Montreal Santa Claus Parade, November 21, 2015

The 65th annual Montreal Santa Claus Parade took place on November 21. Tian Guo Marching Band was chosen as the leading group of the event, this 160-member band drew broad attention and rounds of applause.

It was a nice day. Although the parade was scheduled to start at 11 a.m., large crowds already showed up at 10 a.m., lining both sides of Saint Catherine Street, the main parade route through Montreal's central business district. Dressed in traditional Chinese costumes in blue and white, the Tian Guo Marching Band was placed as the first group of the event.

Ms. Liu from China saw the parade for the first time and became very excited. “Vow, that is so good, so magnificent!” She said as she was chatting with her grandfather.

Ms. Zhou, the band's conductor, said that group members came from Montreal, Ottawa and New York,  “That is why we have about 160 members today—much more than usual.”

With more than 300,000 spectators, the Montreal Santa Claus parade has become one of the most popular events in Montreal. “We are glad to be here and celebrate with the community,” said Ms. Zhou.