The Irish Parading Tradition: Following the Drum (Ethnic and Intercommunity Conflict Series)

Annotation Written by specialists on the topic, this book explores the Irish parading tradition from the seventeenth century to the present. With serious confrontations over parades recurring since 1995, the subject is a vital, but imperfectly understood, dimension of the Irish situation. Parades are examined from historical and anthropological perspectives, showing their long-standing importance to both traditions in Ireland, and for the Irish in Scotland and England. Both unionist and nationalist parades are analysed, as well as the peace marches of 1976. There is a particular focus on recent events, especially the disputes over the Relief of Derry parades and the Drumcree church parade at Portadown. Parades are shown to be complex events, with their own traditions and rituals which are constantly evolving The book examines the evolution and current significance of the parading tradition in Ireland. Since 1995, confrontations over parades have existed side by side with the Northern Ireland peace process. The most bitter of these have occurred over the Drumcree church parade at Portadown and the Relief of Derry parades. Using a range of historical and anthropological perspectives, the book traces the parading tradition from the seventeenth century to the present.