Northern Ireland Celebrates Twelfth of July with Vibrant Parades Amidst Sunshine

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Jubilant crowds lined the streets of cities, towns, and villages throughout Northern Ireland on Saturday, July 12th, to participate in and observe the annual Twelfth of July parades. This significant day marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a pivotal moment in the region’s history, and serves as a major celebration of Protestant traditions and Ulster-Scots heritage.

Thousands of members from various Orange Order lodges, joined by visiting brethren from Scotland and further afield, took part in the processions. The main parade in Belfast commenced its route from the Orange Hall at Clifton Street, drawing significant attention and participation. Similar events unfolded across the country, with notable parades taking place in locations such as Coleraine, Dromara, and Augher, showcasing the widespread nature of these celebrations.

The atmosphere was electric, amplified by the participation of numerous marching bands, whose music filled the air and added to the festive ambiance. Spectators, many adorned in colorful attire, gathered to watch the elaborate displays, reflecting a deep sense of community and tradition. The event is a testament to a cultural identity that is proudly celebrated, with traditions being passed down through generations.

Government officials were also present at key events. Northern Ireland Office Minister Fleur Anderson and Deputy First Minister Emma-Little Pengelly attended gatherings in Keady, County Armagh. Minister Anderson remarked on the importance of celebrating cultural identity peacefully, stating, “It’s important to see that you can have a cultural identity that can be celebrated and is also peaceful.”

The Grand Secretary of the Orange Order, the Reverend Mervyn Gibson, who was also in Keady, expressed his satisfaction with the day’s events. He described the lead-up to the Twelfth as “tremendous” and commented on the favorable weather conditions, noting, “Today couldn’t be a better day for it, the sun is shining and the bands are playing loud, it’s just been a great Twelfth of July.” This sentiment was echoed by many participants and onlookers who appreciated the sunny weather, a welcome change for outdoor festivities.

In Keady, the parades featured traditional elements, including the powerful sound of the Lambeg drum, adding to the cultural richness of the celebrations. Similarly, in Kesh, County Fermanagh, thousands turned out for a parade that included members from neighbouring Orange Order lodges in counties Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal, highlighting the cross-border community involvement.

Visitors from Great Britain also attended the parades, experiencing the event for the first time. Lyndsay and Melissa, who travelled from Birmingham to Belfast, described the passion of the participants as “absolutely beautiful” and emphasized the importance of such traditions being passed down through generations. They noted the participants’ dedication, with many marching in formal attire despite the soaring temperatures, although they expressed relief that the weather remained dry.

The day began smoothly, with a feeder parade passing the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast at 09:00 BST without incident, despite the area’s history of parade-related tensions. The relative peace observed this year reflects ongoing efforts to manage public order during these significant cultural events.

This year’s celebrations mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, a historical event rooted in the conflict between King William III and King James II. The Orange Order’s traditions, deeply connected to this history, were on full display, with participants expressing pride in their cultural identity and heritage.

In Coleraine, residents Terence and Mildred McAle enjoyed the festivities with their dog Alfie, appreciating the “glorious weather.” Mr. McAle commented, “We enjoy the bands and the spectacle,” while Mrs. McAle added, “It’s our culture and I enjoy a great day out. The grandchildren love it as their daddy is parading.” This highlights the family-oriented nature of the celebrations and the intergenerational transmission of cultural pride.

Eleventh Night Bonfires

The preceding evening, Friday, saw the lighting of hundreds of bonfires across many unionist communities to mark Eleventh Night, a tradition that precedes the Twelfth. These bonfires historically symbolized welcoming King William III’s supporters and guiding them to the Battle of the Boyne. While most bonfires are conducted without incident, some have drawn controversy due to their size, placement, or the inclusion of offensive symbols.

This year, a bonfire in south Belfast, located between the Donegall Road and the Westlink, raised concerns due to the presence of asbestos and its proximity to a power substation supplying two hospitals. Despite these issues, the bonfire was lit on Friday night after police confirmed they would not intervene in its removal.