So we are rapidly entering Marching Season here in Belfast. Well, parades have already happened, but next week is the biggy, the 12th July Holiday when the Loyal Orange Lodges take to the streets for one big and many little parades. There are also bonfires and, unfortunately, sometimes riots.
I don’t know all of the history, not having been here during The Troubles, but there is a lot of information on The Twelfth here at Wiki. Perhaps not the best source, but at least it’s easy to understand.
Especially as the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland are not easy at all. To understand or to follow. My father-in-law has been studying The Troubles for a good part of his life and I’m not entirely sure he can explain it fully.
In any case, this week coming up is The 12th Fortnight. For the next two weeks most of the country, at least those that aren’t marching or protesting marching, head off for their holidays. Personally, I like to stick around. Mostly because I hate holidays.
Anyway, living in City Centre is always interesting over the 12th as the helicopters circle for most of the week, keeping an eye on things. There is some violence most years. And, of course, the parades practically pass down our street.
This year is no different, in terms of the parade route. But now it’s Orangefest. Which makes me go O_o. Especially as there seems to be no actual publicity beyond a small mention on the Belfast City Council website.
Look, I know it’s controversial. I’ve lived here long enough to appreciate that. But why give it a name (Orangefest FFS!) and then do nothing to publicize it? Nothing to make the myriad of events happening around the city next week one cohesive event?
I didn’t even know it was called Orangefest until today when I saw a sign hanging up over Royal Avenue at City Centre. Simon tells me they have been calling it that for a the past few years. Really?
I never knew.
And I don’t really understand why they bothered.