The Reason Why We Celebrate The Twelfth of July

The Twelfth (also called the Glorious Twelfth or Orangemen's Day) was first held in Ulster in the late 18th century. It celebrates the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

On and around the Twelfth, large parades are held by the Orange Order and Ulster loyalist marching bands, streets are bedecked with British flags and bunting, and large towering bonfires are lit. Today the Twelfth is mainly celebrated in Northern Ireland (where it is a public holiday), but smaller celebrations are held in other parts of the world where Orange lodges have been set up (such as Scotland [mainly the Glasgow region], England [mainly the Merseyside/Liverpool region], Ireland [Rossnowlagh, County Donegal], Australia and Canada). Many thousands flock to the 12th and 13th celebrations, and the event is seen as a great place to cross paths with friends and enjoy the buzz and excitement of the parading Loyal Orders and marching bands.

However, one wonders how many who celebrate this event actually know the real reason for these celebrations and are aware of the momentous events that took place so many years ago?