The Twelfth
July 12th is a large Protestant celebration.
As we live in a protestant neighborhood, there were lots of activity the past few days; Orange parades and bonfires.
Since it's such a controversial event we decided to stay indoors, we could see most of the events from our window. Turns out it was a good choice as there were riots, petrol bombs, bricks, and at least one shot being fired by republicans.
The parades were mostly flutes and drums. Lots of UK attire. Lots of drinking.
Just ignore my dirty window. lol
The bonfires bothered me. I obviously, don't take sides here. I didn't live here, I don't know what it was like for everyone involved, it wasn't my country, not my war. Each side suffered and both are still healing. I have made Catholic friends, Protestant friends, and friends that are somewhere in between. I see both view points. But the bonfires still made me uneasy...reminded me too much of the KKK on some levels. They burned Irish flags, political posters, and sayings.
These photos are from The Belfast Telegraph as I didn't attend the bonfire though it was just down the road from us and a friend invited us to go. We could smell it, the scent lingered for days. A deliveryman commented to me that it smelt of repressed anger, confusion, and a vast sadness.
Sometimes I just want to give Belfast a big hug, ease her pain a bit.