The main parade in Belfast began at about 1030 BST Orangemen across Northern Ireland are holding their annual Twelfth of July celebrations. The Protestant Orange Order is taking part in demonstrations across Northern Ireland.
The marches commemorate Prince William of Orange's 1690 Battle of the Boyne victory over Catholic King James II.
The main events are taking place at 18 venues across Northern Ireland. Orange Grand Master Edward Stevenson will be attending the parade in Limavady.
He said he hoped the day would be peaceful.
The principal venues include Randalstown, Aghalee, Cullybackey, Ballymena, Broughshane, Ballycastle, Killylea, Barnetts Demesne, Rathfriland, Ballymartin, Holywood, Comber, Lisnaskea, Ballyronan, Limavady, Stewartstown, Sixmilecross and Clogher.
The Twelfth of July is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland.
It is the annual high point of the loyal orders' parading calendar.
Some marches have been a source of tension between nationalists who see the parades as triumphalist and intimidating, and Orangemen who believe it is their right to walk on public roads.
In recent years, the order has made efforts to rebrand the day as "Orangefest," with some believing the event has the potential to become a major tourist attraction.
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