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Thousands Attend Annual Orange Order Parade in Rossnowlagh, Donegal

The annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, attracts thousands with bands, food stalls, and a relaxed atmosphere. Participants from multiple counties join to celebrate their culture and faith ahead of the Twelfth of July commemorations.

·3 min read
Three people dressed in white and red band uniforms pose for a photo at the Rossnowlagh parade. A young man is standing in the middle wearing a black peaked uniform cap with a red an gold trim, black square-framed glasses, a white shirt and a red tie. Two women with blonde shoulder-length hair are standing on either side of him smiling. They are similarly dressed but the young woman on the left is not wearing a cap.

Orange Order Parade Draws Large Crowds in Rossnowlagh

The annual Orange Order parade is currently underway in Rossnowlagh, a seaside village in County Donegal. The event attracts large numbers of attendees, including visitors from across the island.

The parade features performances by accordion bands as well as pipes and drummers, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

The Grand Master in Donegal, David Mahon, described the event as having "a very relaxed atmosphere," noting the presence of stalls and food available to attendees.

"It's always a carnival type of day with lots of families here enjoying a really good time," he added.
David Mahon, a man with short, fair hair, looks to the camera during a BBC interview on a very sunny day in rural Donegal. He is wearing a white shirt, a red. white and blue striped tie and an orange sash with a gold fringe.
Image caption, Donegal Grand Master David Mahon said there was a "a very relaxed atmosphere"

The Rossnowlagh demonstration is held annually on the Saturday preceding the main Twelfth of July commemorations in Northern Ireland. The Twelfth marks the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II.

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Lodges participating in the parade come from various counties including Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, and Monaghan.

"It's very important because it's part of our culture and part of our faith. We welcome everyone here from across the community," Mahon said.

David Mahon also emphasized the positive relationship between the Orange Order in Donegal and its Catholic neighbours.

"That's in terms of co-operation and some of them would be ringing us to see if we need the fields or land again for car parking or whatever."

Gardaí (Irish police) are present mainly to manage traffic during the busy day of parading.

"The order is going from strength to strength in the county," Mahon added.

Attendees Share Their Experiences

Lorna Walker, from Randalstown in County Antrim, shared her enthusiasm for the event.

"I always love coming to this annual parade every year. I like supporting the lodges in County Donegal. Today the weather is going to make it as the sun is shining from early morning. Let's hope everyone has an enjoyable day."
A woman with short light hair wearing a white and blue top looks at the camera on a sunny day. She is standing in front of a food stall. There are crowds of people in the background and row of flags which including the Union flag.
Image caption, Lorna Walker said she attends the parade each year

Samantha Bates, from Lisnaskea in Fermanagh, expressed pride in her children participating in the parade for the first time.

"We're from Lisnaskea in Fermanagh and we enjoy it and love it every year. This is the first year our boys Matthew (13) and Jacob (7) are on parade with Cornafanog flute band so they are very excited and we are very proud as a family."

This article was sourced from bbc

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