Keep 'er lit

'Architectural Feat'

Just back in from watching the bonfires burning brightly across the city from a high look out point in East Belfast. When we first arrived the sky was a beautiful blue and pink colour. The first thing we noticed were the fireworks, which seemed to be coming from South Belfast. This year we arrived in the perfect time to watch the bonfires light, one after the other, glowing as far as the eye could see, with. huge cheers of 'YEOOOO' with each new flame. The fires lit one by one until the light blue of the sky was blacked out by smoke and smog.The sky smelled so wonderful, as comforting as a fresh fire in the chimney on a crisp wintry day. 

Some of the other spectators were very impressed by the structural engineering and colour coordinated design of the pallets, ohhing and ahhing that 'tha people tha built this shud be architects!' I'm not sure I'm as dedicated a believer, but  the atmosphere was intoxicating in a way.


I was so excited each time a new bonfire was lit that I almost forgot what was burning and why.

In tradition the bonfires were lit to help guide the Williamite troops into battle. A battle which in today's memory was fought between the Catholics under King James II and the Protestants under King William III, or more endearingly, King Billy. The 12th is the celebration of the Protestant victory. Oftentimes bonfires are placed in contentious areas as a marking of territory and an affirmation of Protestant-Unionist-Loyalist (PUL) presence.

Just as the historical details of these battles have become simplified and re-created to support the important stories and myths perpetuated by both communities, it is very possible to transform the significance of a holiday or memory. While many bonfires are exclusive and can be somewhat intimidating, there are cross-community bonfires where they play Irish music side by side with the familiar flute tunes and all are welcome.

 It's very easy for me to imagine a time when these celebrations will be for everyone. Each event that becomes less politically charged and passes by with less difficulty is a small victory for all people of Northern Ireland.

As we drove back we passed some of the fires, still burning brightly, I couldn't help but think to myself that over time this idea of 'Orangefest' may actual be possible...

View of bonfires burning across East Belfast, 11 July 2012 close to midnight