When is Orangeman's Day?

Orangeman's Day is a provincial government holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

It is observed on the Monday closest to July 12th.

History of Orangeman's Day

Orangeman's Day commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, fought in Ireland on July 1st 1690 by King William of Orange against King James II. The battle predates the switch to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, which is why it is now celebrated on July 12th.

Before the battle even began, with the forces lined up on opposite banks of the Boyne, an early cannonball strike from James' artillery hit William on the shoulder. A few inches either way and the whole history of Ireland may have been changed. As it was, the injury wasn't serious enough to stop William commanding his troops and winning the day.

The victory of William and his Orangemen was seen as a key moment in the 'Glorious Revolution' when the Protestant (but not very English) William overthrew the Catholic James with the support of the English Parliamentarians.

The Canadian tradition of Orangeman's Day

From the start of the nineteenth century, there was significant immigration from Ireland to Canada. Until the Irish famine in 1840, the majority of the immigrants were Irish Protestants. This meant that Irish Protestant traditions such as marching to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne and the establishment of the Orange Order (an organisation that promotes Protestant values) became commonplace in many parts of Canada.

While parades in large cities like Toronto are not as popular as in the past, Newfoundland and Labrador still observes Orangeman's Day as part of this legacy.