The Easter Monday parade, which commemorates the beginning of the Siege of Derry in 1689, coincided this year with the exact date of April 18 when King James II arrived at Bishop’s Gate.
Billy Moore, General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, described the occasion as a “perfect day”.
Speaking to the News Letter, Mr Moore reflected on the return to large-scale parading.
“It’s been a phenomenal day,” he said. “We had our parade in December but it was fairly low key.
“This has been the first major procession of any of the loyal orders, so we have pioneered the course again.
“Belfast today has been absolutely phenonemal.”
He continued: “There’s been a fantastic response by sepctators, members of the association, and obviously the bands as well who have all been attending in huge numbers.”
On the fortuitous weather conditions, the Apprentice Boys General Secretary said: “It’s been a perfect day. The sun has been shining from start to finish, which always helps encourage the spectators and encourages the participants.”
He added: “It’s been an outstanding day in all aspects, including the weather, because when the sun shines it puts everybody in good form, in good humour and increases the attendance.”
Mr Moore also offered some explanation of the significance of the annual Easter Monday procession.
“Our Easter Monday parade every year commemorates the beginning of the Siege proper, the Siege of 1689,” he explained.
“That’s when King James the second arrived at Bishop’s gate on the 18th of April.
“Our Easter Monday parade coincides with and commemorates that particular event, which is the start of the Siege proper.”
On the coincidence that Easter Monday happened to fall on exactly April 18 this year, he added: “It does happen occasionally, but it’s quite unique that today is April 18th and it coincides exactly.”
Today, meanwhile, a total of seven junior Orange parades are due to take place.
The largest such event that has been notified to the Parades Commission sets out noon to 1pm — from Ballynafeigh Orange Hall in south Belfast, eastward to Cregagh Youth and Community Centre, and then back from 4pm to 5.30pm.
Full details of today’s parades schedule can be found at newsletter.co.uk
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Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 18th April 2022 The Apprentice Boys of Derry parade along the Shankill Road on Easter Monday. Easter Bank Holiday Monday is one the busiest days for parades during the Easter holidays. There are 54 parades planned across Northern Ireland throughout the day - 30 of which are Apprentice Boys marches. Photography By Declan Roughan - Press Eye
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Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 18th April 2022 The Apprentice Boys of Derry parade along the Shankill Road on Easter Monday. Easter Bank Holiday Monday is one the busiest days for parades during the Easter holidays. There are 54 parades planned across Northern Ireland throughout the day - 30 of which are Apprentice Boys marches. Photography By Declan Roughan - Press Eye
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Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 18th April 2022 The Apprentice Boys of Derry parade along the Shankill Road on Easter Monday. Easter Bank Holiday Monday is one the busiest days for parades during the Easter holidays. There are 54 parades planned across Northern Ireland throughout the day - 30 of which are Apprentice Boys marches. Photography By Declan Roughan - Press Eye
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Pacemaker Press 18-04-2022: Traffic disruption is expected in Belfast on Easter Monday due to parades taking place across the city. Delays can be expected on April 18 and again on Tuesday, April 19. Ballymacarrett Defenders pictured walking from Pitt Place and on to the Newtownards Road, in East Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.