Orangemen's Day

Orangemen's Day, also known as the Glorious Twelfth, is a holiday celebrated on July 12th in Canada, particularly in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It commemorates the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a pivotal event in Irish and British history. The holiday is rooted in the traditions of the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization that originated in Ireland and spread to Canada with Irish immigrants. In Canada, Orangemen's Day is marked by parades, marches, and community events, often featuring participants dressed in traditional Orange Order regalia, including sashes and bowler hats. The day is a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, where it holds historical significance due to the strong presence of Irish Protestant settlers. While the holiday is primarily a celebration of Protestant heritage and culture, it also serves as a day for community gatherings and reflection on the region's history. Over time, the observance has evolved to focus more on cultural heritage and less on religious or political divisions.