Orange marches belfast

[Pippin24]

I’m visiting Belfast today to see extended family. My dad’s family are from Ireland/n Ireland I try to get over a few times per year. I’m in my aunts house and we had planned a picnic in the garden which has steadily been interrupted by orange bands marching up a down a road not far from her. It’s a terrible noise and apart from the assault to the ears seems entirely pointless- I cannot believe in this day and age this is still happening.

it’s a mixed area faith wise and my aunt is so embarrassed about it. My husband has just arrived back from a walk where he managed to see some of the march and has informed me that there are a shit ton of the marchers drinking - singing anti catholic/Irish songs and generally behaving badly. Surely there are rules around this? Grown men with younger kids marching drunk and causing a disturbance. Culture is one thing - this isn’t it. Rant over!

Try harder Op

tootsey sorry what?

We have them in Scotland and most people feel they should be relegated to the past, horrible sectarian display.

kelly i was so shocked today. I saw them as a child and don’t remember them being so bad. To each their own but today did them no favours in my eyes

But early for the orange crew isn't it? Thought that was the 12th of July! Or are they just having a practise run?

If only they saved it to one day 🙄 Not in Scotland or in NI

I live in Scotland and they went past a road near our house also, with a police presence. Totally outdated and a complete waste of resources.

It all sounds a bit silly and outdated, but I guess it’s tradition.🤷‍♀️

My husband got stuck behind one today (Scotland)

Ohhhh no, they start practising around now! Thankfully there are none near to us, I feel for the people who get stuck in traffic or otherwise inconvenienced by the idiots. Not to mention everything else that's wrong with it.

It’s how they radicalise and indoctrinate their kids to be as bigoted as they are and thus perpetuate the cycle.

Are they in certain bits of Scotland? I’ve never seen one in the years we’ve been here.

It was so loud- and went on for ages. My aunt says they happen periodically throughout the year as well As the 12th. From what I can remember it was mostly older men - the one I saw anyway- but DH said there were quite a number of younger men too today. Wtf is behind the chanting of hateful lyrics etc. no need and not what it supposed be about from what I know of it. Embarrassing for all involved.

Mostly the West of Scotland I think. Glasgow, Lanarkshire etc.

It’s awful and I’m glad I don’t live near whee marches take place

I thought the marching season started even earlier, around easter time. I'm sure that's what my friend's Belfast born mum said.

She always loved the Sussex bonfire processions, because they reminded her of marching season "back home".

I used to live on a Main Street in glasgow and they passed pretty regularly. Absolute hate filled embarrassment!! Always a police presence and always trouble as there was a catholic church on the road too.

Men and woman of all ages, usually drinking, always sectarian, always young kids. Just awful. I would bet my life 90%+ of them couldn't tell you one thing about Irish history, it's all just about a football team!!

Why aren’t they out a stop to? Surely there are enough people objecting to the noise pollution not to mention the police and clean up resources needed. The road they were on is now littered with empty beer cans etc. surely there is a better way of celebrating/ promoting culture than that? I’ve yet to hear one person say they enjoy attending them so how do they keep going?

Well, lots of people were enjoying the one near me today! Dads with young kids on their shoulders etc….street was lined with spectators! They’re will be a ‘walk’ in Glasgow in a few weeks (used to be the Saturday nearest the 12th) and you won’t get moving for people watching it!

@Boomer55
It all sounds a bit silly and outdated, but I guess it’s tradition
promoting hatred and sectarianism isn't silly, imagine a walk singing about killing muslims, would that be allowed or silly??

It's disgraceful. Outright sectarianism. Culture my arse. Outrageous that Irish people have to put up with that shite.

Possibly it would be allowed. There's a bunch of racists shouting much the same in London.

I don't agree with them but the alternative is banning them and then the riots start. To be fair, it's a nice day over and the sun's out so they may riot yet. Welcome to marching season @Pippin24

Orange marches and lodges should be banned. They're clearly hate crimes, they wouldn't be tolerated towards anti Jewish or Muslim or buddist so why should they be allowed for any Catholic.

i remember the one from years ago just having people in uniforms with a massive drum and flutes etc - don’t remember drinking at it or hate speech. I’ve been googling and there is a commission that apparently makes decisions on routes etc. surely they can sanction certain bands for hate speech/public drinking.