Orangemen's Day, also known as The Twelfth, is a holiday celebrated by members of the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization. The day commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, a significant historical event in Ireland.

Table of Contents

1. When is Orangemen's Day?
2. The History of Orangemen's Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Battle of the Boyne

When is Orangemen's Day?

June Day is celebrated annually on July 12 in Northern Ireland, UK. This aligns with the tradition of commemorating the Battle of the Boyne, which occurred on July 12, 1690. When Orangemen's Day falls on a weekend, it is observed on the following workday. For example, July 12 falls on a Saturday in 2025, so Orangemen's Day will be observed on Monday, July 14.

The following is the list of Orangemen's Day in Northern Ireland from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orangemen's Day?

Orangemen's Day is a significant cultural and political event primarily celebrated in Northern Ireland, with observances in other parts of the world where the Orange Order has a presence. It commemorates the Battle of the Boyne (1690) and the victory of Protestant King William III of Orange over the Catholic King James II, a pivotal moment in British and Irish history.

The battle took place on July 11 under the Gregorian calendar, but celebrated on July 12 for convenience. William III's victory ensured Protestant supremacy in Ireland and secured his position as king of England, Scotland, and Ireland. This victory is viewed as a landmark event in the history of Protestantism in the British Isles.

The Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization, was founded in 1795 in County Armagh, Ireland. Named after William of Orange, the order was established to defend Protestant interests and celebrate the legacy of the Glorious Revolution and William's triumph at the Boyne.

Early commemorations of the Battle of the Boyne included parades, bonfires, and gatherings, often marked by tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities.

By the 19th century, Orangemen's Day became a formalized event with organized parades and rituals led by the Orange Order. The day served to reinforce Protestant identity and loyalty to the British Crown.

Following the partition of Ireland, Orangemen's Day became more prominent in Northern Ireland, where it symbolized the unionist community's ties to Britain. However, in the Republic of Ireland, the event lost its significance as the country developed a predominantly Catholic identity.

During Northern Ireland's conflict from 1960s to 1990s, The Orangemen's Day was often a flashpoint for sectarian tensions between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists. Parades, particularly those marching through Catholic neighborhoods, became highly controversial, leading to violence and clashes.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce tensions surrounding The Twelfth, emphasizing its historical and cultural aspects over political divides.

What Do People Do on This Day?

The central event on Orangemen's Day is the parades organized by the Orange Order. Participants, known as Orangemen, wear traditional regalia, including sashes, white gloves, and bowler hats. Major parades take place in cities as well as smaller towns and rural areas.

On the eve of Orangemen's Day, bonfires are lit in Protestant and unionist communities. These fires symbolize the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne and are often built using wooden pallets and other materials. The largest bonfires can reach impressive heights and attract large crowds.

Many people use the day as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Some gather for picnics or barbecues in public parks or gardens, often near parade routes.

In some areas, religious services are held to honor Protestant traditions and the historical legacy of William of Orange. Streets, lampposts and homes in Protestant neighborhoods are often decorated with Union Jack flags, Orange Order banners and bunting.

In Northern Ireland, Orangemen's Day is a public holiday, allowing most people to take the day off work. Many take advantage of the time to enjoy leisure activities, such as visiting local attractions, or traveling to rural areas or beaches.

The Battle of the Boyne

The Battle of the Boyne was a significant historical conflict fought near the River Boyne in Ireland on July 12, 1690. It was a decisive moment in the struggle for the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones and remains a pivotal event in Irish and British history.

The battle pitted King James II, a Catholic, against King William III of Orange, a Protestant and James's son-in-law. James had been deposed from the English throne in 1688 and sought to reclaim it with the support of Catholic allies in Ireland and France.

The battle symbolized the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism in Ireland and Britain. Protestants generally supported William, while Catholics backed James.

The battle took place near Drogheda, along the River Boyne, about 50 kilometers north of Dublin, Ireland. William III led an army of approximately 36,000 troops, including Dutch, Danish, English, and Ulster Protestant soldiers. James II commanded around 25,000 troops, made up of Irish Catholics and French soldiers provided by King Louis XIV of France.

William's forces successfully crossed the Boyne River despite James's defensive positions. Superior strategy and numbers allowed William's army to outmaneuver and defeat James's forces. James fled the battlefield, retreating to France, effectively abandoning his claim to the throne.

The Protestant King William III emerged victorious, solidifying his rule over England, Scotland, and Ireland. The battle was a key moment in ensuring Protestant dominance in Ireland, particularly in the north.