Parades Pros and Cons

Thesis Statement

Though there are many negative aspects of parades in a community, there are also positives as well.

Introduction

Community parades can be a lot of fun whether you have participated several times or if this is your first. The idea of building a parade float is very intimidating to a lot of people, but it needn't be. There is not a right way or a wrong way to build a float, so you can let your creativity guide you toward building the ultimate parade float. A parade is a group of people who all walk together, usually down a street or road. People who walk in parades are often dressed in a costume, and followed by marching bands, floats or large balloons.

Parades therefore are very much part of the Orange tradition and heritage as two hundred years ago the founding fathers decided that parades were an appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate their cultural heritage. However the concept of parades by the community that gave birth to the Orange Institution was well established long before 1796 and it is a matter of historical record that parades were a feature of that community for many years prior to the formation of the Orange Institution.

The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord Mayor's Show in London.

Discussion

There are a number of inherent factors behind the organising of Orange Parades. They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by parades to and from public worship. Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history of the people are commemorated by parades that take different forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. Those who glibly dismiss the Boyne Commemorations would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the Glorious Revolution.

The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely worth commemorating. The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange Parade a visual kaleidoscope.

The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.

The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very high standard and you will find countless competition bands including world champions ...