The Twelfth is observed in Northern Ireland every July 12, commemorating Orangemen's Day and the Battle of the Boyne, which occurred in 1690. This public holiday celebrates the victory of William III of Orange over the Jacobite troops led by James II of England, a pivotal event that reinforced Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. The Orange Order, established in 1795 to defend Protestant rights, organizes large parades featuring Ulster royalist marching bands and speeches from Order members, politicians, and clergymen. Celebrations also include special church services, and the Ulster Banner and Union Jack are prominently displayed from homes and lamp-posts. However, the day can be tense, as flags of loyalist paramilitary groups may be flown, reflecting the complex socio-political landscape in Northern Ireland, where nearly half the population is Catholic. The first marches dedicated to the Twelfth took place in Waringstown, Lurgan, and Portadown.