The Orange Day is organized by protestants and loyalists. After the war of Independance and Anglo Irish Treaty, Ireland was split and Northern Ireland, mostly of Protestant culture remained into the United Kingdom. The Protestants fear that unification with the Republic of Ireland with a catholic majority might put them in a minority situation. Therefore they are really attached to belonging in UK and the Protestant areas of Belfast voted in favor of the Brexit. The Orange Day remember the battle of Boyne in 1690 and the victory of William 3rd of Orange-Nassau against the catholic Irish of Ireland.
A south Belfast street, Sandy Row is a protestant working class area, historically linked to the UDA and Orange Order. A bonfire is set between Sandy Row and Great Victoria Street.
After a night of fire, the next morning is full of colors, mostly the Union Jack’s ones. Families come from all Northern Ireland and Scotland to celebrate the commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne.
The Orange Day is still a reason for tension between the loyalists and nationalists. While pro Irish tend to see it as a provocation and a “pack of bigotry”. Many protestants see it as an opportunity to express their culture, history and beliefs.