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Get ready to celebrate Orangemen's Day on July 12, a day that holds great significance for the Protestant community in Northern Ireland. This annual holiday is also known as the "Glorious Twelfth" and marks the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Today, it is celebrated with parades, bonfires, and traditional music and food. So put on your orange attire and join in on the festivities to honor this important event in Irish history!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1690</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of the Boyne</div><div class='timeline-text'>Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne, securing Protestant control of England.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1795</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Orange Order</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to a period of sectarian violence in northern Ireland, the Orange Order was established to protect Protestant interests and celebrate their culture and history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Major Orangemen's Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 19th century, Orangemen's Day parades began to gain in popularity, marking an important date in Protestant communities within the UK and later worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spread to Newfoundland and Labrador</div><div class='timeline-text'>Newfoundland and Labrador, a province of Canada with strong Irish ties, recognized Orangemen's Day as a public holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Good Friday Agreement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Good Friday Agreement marked a significant change in Northern Ireland's conflict, affecting the nature and tone of Orangemen's Day celebrations.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Orangemen’s Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the most popular ways to celebrate Orangemen’s Day is by attending a parade. These parades often feature vibrant displays of orange and other festive decorations, as well as marching bands and other entertainment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear orange clothing or accessories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Orangemen’s Day by wearing something orange! This could be a shirt, hat, or even just an orange ribbon. You can also get creative and paint your face or nails with orange designs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of Orangemen’s Day</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the origins and significance of Orangemen’s Day. This holiday has a rich history and learning about it can deepen your appreciation for its traditions and customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an Orangemen’s Day barbecue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together for a barbecue in honor of Orangemen’s Day. Serve up some traditional Irish dishes and enjoy the company of loved ones on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in an Orangemen’s Day ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold ceremonies or memorial services on Orangemen’s Day to honor those who have served in the military. Consider attending one of these events to pay your respects and show your support for the holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Irish history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Orangemen's Day, also known as the Battle of the Boyne, commemorates the victory of Protestant King William III over Catholic King James II in 1690. This event played a significant role in shaping Ireland’s political and cultural identity, making it an important day for those of Irish descent.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes peace and reconciliation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Despite its origins as a divisive holiday, many communities now use Orangemen's Day as an opportunity to come together and promote understanding and reconciliation between Protestant and Catholic communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is celebrated around the world</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While Orangemen's Day is most widely observed in Northern Ireland, it is also celebrated by Irish communities worldwide. This holiday serves as a reminder of Ireland's rich history and strong sense of cultural identity that continues to be celebrated globally.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangemen’s Day Celebrations Involve Special Order Symbols</h3><p class='facts-content'>Orangemen’s Day parades often feature symbols emblematic to the Orange Order, including the color orange, the Cross of Saint George, and the Williamite sword.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangemen's Day in Canada is Also Known as Memorial Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Newfoundland and Labrador, Orangemen's Day coincides with Memorial Day, a remembrance day for soldiers who died in the First World War, which adds another layer of historical significance to the observance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangemen’s Day Weekend is Also Called "The Glorious Twelfth"</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Glorious Twelfth is a term often used to refer to the Orangemen's Day weekend, which is comprised of various festive events in addition to the main parade.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Deep-Rooted Traditions Associated with The Marching Bands</h3><p class='facts-content'>The marching bands that participate in the Orangemen's Day parades play a variety of traditional tunes known as “airs” and often perform intricate formations while marching.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangemen's Day Parades can Draw Large Crowds</h3><p class='facts-content'>Orangemen's Day parades and celebrations can attract thousands of visitors, especially in larger cities like Belfast, making it a significant event for tourism in certain regions.</p></div></div>
Orangemen's Day is celebrated on July 12 every year. In 2024 Orangemen's Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Jul 12
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2024
Jul 12
Friday
2025
Jul 12
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2026
Jul 12
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2027
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