Belfast: Being Young in a Divided City: Belfast_BYiaDC_06

The Ulster Banner, the former flag of the Northern Ireland government (1953–1972), is seen on a bonfire-under-construction in the Protestant Lower Shankill area of West Belfast. The flag no longer has an official status but has become a contentious symbol representing Ulster loyalism.Bonfires are traditionally lit in Protestant areas on the {quote}Eleventh Night{quote} of July to commemorate the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over his Catholic father-in-law King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Preparations start months before with the collection of pallets and other materials like rubber tires. The bonfire is followed on July 12 by a large parade held by the Orange Order — a Protestant fraternal organization — and loyalist marching bands. The {quote}Twelfth{quote} as it is called is a tense period. Many Catholics consider the celebrations a display of sectarian triumphalism whereas for many working-class Protestants they are an essential expression of their cultural identity.

The Ulster Banner, the former flag of the Northern Ireland government (1953–1972), is seen on a bonfire-under-construction in the Protestant Lower Shankill area of West Belfast. The flag no longer has an official status but has become a contentious symbol representing Ulster loyalism.

Bonfires are traditionally lit in Protestant areas on the "Eleventh Night" of July to commemorate the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over his Catholic father-in-law King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Preparations start months before with the collection of pallets and other materials like rubber tires. The bonfire is followed on July 12 by a large parade held by the Orange Order — a Protestant fraternal organization — and loyalist marching bands. The "Twelfth" as it is called is a tense period. Many Catholics consider the celebrations a display of sectarian triumphalism whereas for many working-class Protestants they are an essential expression of their cultural identity.