Orange Parades

Marches and parades have a special place in Northern Ireland's history. Both traditions view parades as an essential part of their heritage, and indeed as an important way in which to promote that heritage. Orange and Hibernian marches have been a part of Northern Ireland's life for generations, and more recently we saw the Civil Rights marches of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association in the 1960s.

The marches of the Orange Order are neither triumphalist nor sectarian - instead we see them as the legitimate expression of the cultural heritage of the Orange tradition in Northern Ireland, and as a celebration of our right to live in a free country.

Needless to say, Northern Ireland is not the only place in the British Isles where such colourful expressions of culture take place. Trade Union marches have for many years been an integral part of the culture of Northern England, whereas throughout Irela nd, the annual St. Patrick's Day parades attract worldwide coverage.

More than anything else however, Orange Parades in Northern Ireland are simply a great day out for everyone: The parade on the 12th of July is undoubtedly the most famous such day.