Date
Saturday
Jul
12

July 12

Orangemen’s Day

Get ready to wear your orange and celebrate Orangemen's Day with pride and tradition! Let's honor the rich history of this important holiday together.

Yearly Date
July 12
Type
Day
Category
Cause
Country
Ireland

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Orangemen's Day on July 12, a day that holds great significance for the Protestant community in Northern Ireland. This annual holiday is also known as the "Glorious Twelfth" and marks the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Today, it is celebrated with parades, bonfires, and traditional music and food. So put on your orange attire and join in on the festivities to honor this important event in Irish history!

Orangemen’s Day Timeline

1690
Battle of the Boyne
Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne, securing Protestant control of England.
1795
Formation of Orange Order
In response to a period of sectarian violence in northern Ireland, the Orange Order was established to protect Protestant interests and celebrate their culture and history.
1800s
First Major Orangemen's Day Celebrations
During the 19th century, Orangemen's Day parades began to gain in popularity, marking an important date in Protestant communities within the UK and later worldwide.
1920
Spread to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, a province of Canada with strong Irish ties, recognized Orangemen's Day as a public holiday.
1998
Good Friday Agreement
The Good Friday Agreement marked a significant change in Northern Ireland's conflict, affecting the nature and tone of Orangemen's Day celebrations.

How to Celebrate Orangemen’s Day

1

Attend an Orangemen’s Day parade

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Orangemen’s Day is by attending a parade. These parades often feature vibrant displays of orange and other festive decorations, as well as marching bands and other entertainment.

2

Wear orange clothing or accessories

Show your support for Orangemen’s Day by wearing something orange! This could be a shirt, hat, or even just an orange ribbon. You can also get creative and paint your face or nails with orange designs.

3

Learn about the history of Orangemen’s Day

Take some time to learn about the origins and significance of Orangemen’s Day. This holiday has a rich history and learning about it can deepen your appreciation for its traditions and customs.

4

Host an Orangemen’s Day barbecue

Gather friends and family together for a barbecue in honor of Orangemen’s Day. Serve up some traditional Irish dishes and enjoy the company of loved ones on this special day.

5

Participate in an Orangemen’s Day ceremony

Many communities hold ceremonies or memorial services on Orangemen’s Day to honor those who have served in the military. Consider attending one of these events to pay your respects and show your support for the holiday.

Why Orangemen’s Day is Important

A

It celebrates Irish history and culture

Orangemen's Day, also known as the Battle of the Boyne, commemorates the victory of Protestant King William III over Catholic King James II in 1690. This event played a significant role in shaping Ireland’s political and cultural identity, making it an important day for those of Irish descent.

B

It promotes peace and reconciliation

Despite its origins as a divisive holiday, many communities now use Orangemen's Day as an opportunity to come together and promote understanding and reconciliation between Protestant and Catholic communities.

C

It is celebrated around the world

While Orangemen's Day is most widely observed in Northern Ireland, it is also celebrated by Irish communities worldwide. This holiday serves as a reminder of Ireland's rich history and strong sense of cultural identity that continues to be celebrated globally.

Orangemen’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 11
Tuesday
2024
Jul 11
Thursday
2025
Jul 11
Friday
2026
Jul 11
Saturday
2027
Jul 11
Sunday