The Glorious Twelfth

The 12th of July, known as "The Twelfth" or "Orangemen's Day," is a significant date in Northern Ireland, marked by annual parades and celebrations primarily by the Protestant and Unionist communities. Its historical roots lie in the commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a pivotal event in Irish and British history. Below is an overview of the history and significance of the 12th of July in Northern Ireland.

Historical Background

The Battle of the Boyne (1690)

The Twelfth commemorates the victory of Protestant King William of Orange (William III) over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne on July 1, 1690 (under the Julian calendar). Due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752, the commemoration shifted to July 12, though it also came to encompass the Battle of Aughrim (July 12, 1691), another Williamite victory. The Battle of the Boyne, fought near Drogheda (now in the Republic of Ireland), secured Protestant ascendancy in Ireland and ensured the Protestant succession to the British throne, a key moment in the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

The Glorious Revolution

The victory at the Boyne was part of the broader Williamite-Jacobite War (1689–1691), which followed the deposition of James II, a Catholic, in favor of William of Orange and his wife Mary II, both Protestants. This established a Protestant-dominated parliamentary monarchy in Britain and Ireland, with lasting implications for Ireland’s religious and political landscape. The Orange Order, founded in 1795, sees itself as a defender of this Protestant heritage and loyalty to the British Crown.

The Orange Order

Established in 1795 after sectarian clashes in County Armagh, the Orange Order is a Protestant fraternal organization that organizes the Twelfth parades. It was formed to uphold Protestantism and maintain the union with Britain, opposing Catholic emancipation and Irish nationalism. The Order’s first recorded marches on July 12 took place in 1796 in Portadown, Lurgan, and Waringstown.

The Twelfth Celebrations

Parades and Marches

The Twelfth is the climax of the "marching season" (April to August), with the Orange Order and loyalist bands leading large parades across Northern Ireland. These parades feature Orangemen in traditional attire (bowler hats, orange sashes, white gloves) carrying banners depicting William of Orange or other Protestant symbols, accompanied by marching bands playing tunes like "The Sash." Major parades occur in Belfast, Ballymena, and other towns, with smaller events in places like Rossnowlagh, County Donegal.

Eleventh Night Bonfires

On the night before the Twelfth, known as "Eleventh Night," large bonfires are lit in Protestant areas, a tradition said to originate from bonfires lit to guide William’s ships to Carrickfergus in 1690 or from older Celtic traditions like Midsummer bonfires. These events, often accompanied by street parties and music, have been criticized for sectarian displays, such as burning Irish tricolors or effigies, though efforts have been made to make them more family-friendly.

Public Holiday

The Twelfth is a public holiday in Northern Ireland, with schools and many businesses closed. If July 12 falls on a weekend, the holiday may shift to the following Monday. The celebrations extend beyond Northern Ireland to places with Ulster Protestant diaspora, such as Scotland, Canada, and Australia, though they are most prominent in Ulster.

Historical and Social Context

Sectarian Tensions

The Twelfth has historically been a flashpoint for sectarian conflict, particularly during the Troubles (late 1960s–1998), when parades often led to violence between Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists. Notable incidents include the 1849 Dolly’s Brae clash, where around 30 Catholics were killed, and the 1998 Drumcree conflict, where a parade dispute led to widespread unrest and the tragic deaths of three boys in a loyalist firebombing. The parades are seen by many Nationalists as triumphalist, celebrating Protestant dominance, while Unionists view them as a cultural and religious expression of their identity.

The Troubles and Violence

During the Troubles, the Twelfth was often marked by riots and paramilitary activity. For example, in 1972, five people were killed in Belfast and Portadown, and in 1992, Orangemen mocked the deaths of five Catholics by holding up five fingers during a parade. British Army soldiers were deployed annually from 1970 to 2005 to maintain order.

Peace Process and Modern Developments

Since the 2000s, the Northern Ireland peace process, improved policing, and the establishment of the Parades Commission in 1998 have reduced violence. The Commission mediates contentious parade routes, especially those passing through Nationalist areas, encouraging dialogue between marchers and residents. Efforts to rebrand the Twelfth as "Orangefest," a cultural festival, aim to make it less confrontational and more welcoming to tourists. However, tensions persist, with some bonfires still featuring anti-Catholic or anti-Irish symbols.

Cultural and Political Significance

Protestant Identity

For the Orange Order and many Unionists, the Twelfth celebrates Protestant heritage, loyalty to the British Crown, and the historical victories that secured Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. It is seen as a religious and cultural affirmation, with speeches at parade fields often addressing unionist politics.

Nationalist Perspective

Many Catholics and Nationalists view the Twelfth as provocative, symbolizing historical oppression and Protestant dominance. The burning of Irish flags or effigies on Eleventh Night bonfires and parades through Nationalist areas are particularly contentious. Some Nationalist communities organize alternative festivals to avoid clashes.

Contemporary Debates

The Twelfth remains divisive. Some argue it should be a shared celebration of history, with figures like former Tánaiste Michael McDowell suggesting it become a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland. Others, particularly Nationalists, call for its reform or abolition due to its sectarian connotations. Recent years have seen calls for more inclusive, environmentally friendly celebrations, such as Belfast’s Bonfire Initiative, which promotes safer bonfires and bans paramilitary symbols.

Notable Events and Controversies

• Drumcree Conflict (1990s): Disputes over parade routes, particularly at Drumcree in Portadown, led to significant violence in the 1990s, highlighting the challenge of balancing cultural expression with community relations.
• Sectarian Incidents: Posts on X and historical records note ongoing concerns about sectarian displays, such as effigies of Catholic politicians or Irish flags burned on bonfires, which critics argue perpetuate division.
• Media Coverage: The Twelfth is widely covered by local media, with BBC Northern Ireland’s program The Twelfth being the longest-running outside broadcast in the region. However, the BBC’s decision to end live coverage in recent years sparked criticism from Unionists, who see it as diminishing their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The 12th of July is a deeply rooted tradition in Northern Ireland, celebrating the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne and the broader Glorious Revolution. While it remains a vibrant expression of Unionist and Protestant identity, its history is intertwined with sectarian conflict and political division. Efforts to make the Twelfth more inclusive and peaceful reflect Northern Ireland’s evolving society, but its legacy as a polarizing event continues to shape debates about culture, identity, and reconciliation. For further details on specific years or parade locations, resources like the Orange Order’s official announcements or local news outlets such as Belfast Live and The Irish News provide valuable insights.