With July 12th falling on a Sunday, Orange Order parades come alive on the 13th

The Orange Order parades kicked off in full swing on July 13th after July 12th fell on a Sunday, marking the traditional start of the marching season. In Hillsborough, vibrant red, white, and blue bunting filled the air as bands played traditional tunes, marching through the streets. This event, deeply rooted in Northern Irish Protestant tradition, has significant cultural and political implications, often sparking controversy and tension in a region still healing from past conflicts. The parades are both a celebration of heritage and a reminder of the ongoing divisions that persist in Northern Ireland.