North Ireland Protestant March Begins Peacefully A large Protestant march through the heart of Northern Ireland's capital has begun peacefully amid a heavy police presence. Tens of thousands are expected to participate in one of Belfast's biggest parades in years, and authorities have deployed in force to prevent street clashes with Northern Ireland's Catholic minority. Orange order members parade through Belfast city centre, Northern Ireland, Saturday, Sept. Thousands of people are taking part in commemorations in Belfast to mark one of the most significant dates in unionist history. The six-mile march from central Belfast to Stormont marks the 100th anniversary of the Ulster Covenant, to oppose Home Rule for Ireland in 1912. The Unionist marches date back to the 19th century and are a longstanding irritant between Northern Ireland's two main religious communities and show no sign of fading away, despite a successful peace process. Nearly every aspect of the marches - from the parade route to the music played - is fought over by both sides.