Orange Order Parades After the Troubles: Organizational Shifts and Lasting Insecurity (from the 1990s to 2023) 

Exhibit 1: Twelfth of July Celebration: Orange Order Parade in Enniskillen, 2022

BBC photograph: Orange Order parade led by lodges from Country Fermanagh and joined by bands and brethren from border lodges Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, and Monaghan (July 12th, 2022)¹

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The Orange Order holds annual parades on the Twelfth of July all across Northern Ireland to commemorate the victory of King William III at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.² The public display of King William harks back to a pivotal moment in the history of Protestantism in Northern Ireland—as his victory over the Catholic King James II secured Protestant ascendancy in Northern Ireland and entrenched the Protestant connection with the British monarchy.³ For Unionists, and mainly the Orange Order members,  the public display and marches in honor of King William’s victory represent their allegiance to the British Crown, Protestant heritage, and the determination to ensure Northern Ireland remains part of Britain.⁴

In this photograph, the Orange Order Lodges of Country Fermanagh are marching down the main road in Enniskillen to celebrate the Twelfth of July 2022.⁵ The photograph highlights the cultural significance of these marches within the Unionist communities, as the parade features a variety of traditional Protestant rituals. Specifically, sashes worn by the men in the photograph are distinctive and symbolic parts of regalia worn by members of the Orange Order. The sashes display a member’s Lodge and feature decorative motifs and symbols associated with Protestantism and different areas of Northern Ireland.⁶

In addition, the parades feature a variety of bands and music. As seen in this photograph, a procession of accordions is following behind the banner. The Country Fermanagh parade featured 65 bands that played traditional Protestant music while marching in the streets of Enniskillen, and some bands even featured children as young as ten.⁷ Moreover, the crowd along the street is comprised of families and children. The marchers illustrate the Orange Order’s goal of passing along Protestant traditions and beliefs to the next generation of Northern Ireland. Therefore, ensuring Unionists continue to assert their distinct cultural and political views, to resist the nationalist influence in Northern Ireland. 

 By marching in the streets and displaying their numbers and unity, Unionists communicate a clear message of resistance to attempts at diluting their influence or eroding the constitutional status quo of Northern Ireland being part of Britain. The photograph is a visual testament to the Orange Order’s determination to safeguard their political and cultural identity and also provides insights into the complex dynamics of post-GFA Northern Ireland. Through the display of a King William banner and a crowd of children and young families, the marches symbolize the Orange Order’s commitment to promoting Protestant ideals in hopes of maintaining union with Great Britain and ensuring future generations of Unionists emerge and subdue the raising nationalistic and non-sectarian influence in Northern Ireland.

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Footnotes

1. BBC. (2022a, July 12). Twelfth of July: Thousands take part in Orange Order parades. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62120958
2. Tonge, J. (2008). “Faith, Crown and State”: Contemporary Discourses within the Orange Order in Northern Ireland. Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(1), 136–136. 
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. BBC. (2022a, July 12). Twelfth of July: Thousands take part in Orange Order parades. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62120958