Regarding the 12th of July Parades in Belfast and the days before, two questions:
Is it reasonably safe to be in Belfast and watch the parades? (I am assuming that wearing orange or green during this time period is not wise.)
For those who have had the experience, is this an experience they would encourage others, who are interested in politics and culture, to seek out? In short, is it worth it?
To answer your questions-
1- I’ve been in Belfast around this time and it’s definitely safe to visit in general but I would stay far away from any bonfires (both for political reasons and because these can be very unsafe- I saw footage of one toppling over this year while lit).
2- You may get differing opinions on this, but I personally would not attend a march. Others may interpret this differently but for me these marches are a sign of intimidation to the other community. It’s not something I would want to be a part of tho I can see why they are interesting from a cultural point of view. If you did want to attend one I’m sure you’d be fine in terms of personal safety.
I hope that is somewhat helpful, I am trying to avoid getting into politics.
Cat VH, you were helpful, you were clear but subtle, and you did not dive into politics. The reason you offered for not attending makes much sense. Thank you.
Hate-filled and ugly. And that's just the men.
I love the reply from Gerry....
The parades are an enigma. Supposedly a celebration/commemoration but as said, often an act of intimidation. They have influences of both religion and politics but aren't really either - cult would be a closer description but even that isn't right.
Should you seek out a parade? Well if you stick to the advice of not gettting engaged in discussions you'll come away knowing less than when you arrived! And if you do engage may may feel uncomfortable. This advice assumes that you are white.......
i find it interesting that most of the people commenting about the 12th of July are not from Northern Ireland ,
I am from Northern Ireland so i can comment the truth , yes the 12th of July parades are safe to attend thousands of tourists attend the marches , so please disregard the comments here complete nonsense they are
you live in London!!!, tell me then why people from across the world attend them?
they are safe to attend
Sorry I deleted my reply to you there. Apologies.
I don't think anyone said they aren't safe to attend. Not that I can see anyway.
Yes, I live in London. That doesn't mean to say I've always lived in London. It's where I currently live.
I deleted my reply because it's a dodgy subject to discuss fully here if we want to stay within community guidelines.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/community-guidelines
I'm not always the best at sticking to those guidelines myself admittedly, but people have different opinions about the parades and we have to respect that here. You're free to make a case as to why the OP should visit Belfast for the 12th.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the history goes something like this.
James II, the legitimate monarch, had to flee to France after a group of English nobles in an act of treason and/or bravery invited a Dutch leader to invade England. James II attempts to put down the usurpers -- William of Orange and his protestant wife Mary (James' disloyal daughter) -- by gathering an army that will include a bunch loyal Irish, who happen to be catholics. But James is defeated and William of Orange is victorious and ever since then the protestants in Northern Ireland have been banging pots, marching about, playing the same three songs and lighting bonfires. Since 1690.
Many protestant locals and some tourists like the spectacle while others view it as reminiscent of klan rallies in the US which were signaling enterprises to let the former slaves know who was really the boss. Others still say "What? This has nothing to do with that! It's about celebrating being British. And James II was unacceptable due to him being a catholic and everything."
As a lapsed unitarian, I'd personally can't really say I understand any of it.
Anyway, I saw this episode of the hit Northern Ireland comedy show Derry Girls and it seemed to be quite a divisive thing -- even among the Derry girls themselves. Orla-- one character-- quite liked the parades. But the rest of the family thought it was reason to flee across the border and into the safety of Catholic Ireland.
I think Ireland, northern Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland-- all of it-- are quite lovely to visit. Personally, I'd pick a different day though
Happy travels!
celebrating being British??? NI isn't part of Great Britain, it says so on the front of UK passports....
The comparison with Klan rallies may be a little over the top but there are certain similarities....
I'm not saying I view it as a klan rally. Also I'm not saying it's a grand celebration for being British.
And given one of my key sources of information is the TV sitcom Derry Girls, I think it would be wise to view my telling of the history as suspect!
I'd love to hear how others know the history of this big thing from 1690. (I was very young at the time and don't remember it too well.)
Happy travels
Thanks to all who have responded. My questions have largely been answered. No decisions made, though much less likely to visit at that time.
@me.crewe, yes Northern Ireland isnt on Great Britain, but it is British because we are part of the UK, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands are British but they are not located on Great Britain, being British has nothing to do with being from Great Britain, you are British if you are from the United Kingdom, the crown dependencies, the British overseas territories, none of our american friends from the 48 mainland US states would ever say a person from Hawaii is not american because they are not from the mainland of the US despite Hawaii being a full state in the USA, same with Northern Ireland we are British
RJ, nothing to be scared about loads of tourists go to see the Parades, and they are safe, in fact my mum who is catholic goes to see the parades but I am from outside Belfast and rural marches are different to urban marches , never listen to the waffle posted on here saying that they are dangerous to attend , you might be in danger of having a great time and meeting people and having a good laugh thats the only danger you face!
