The Culture of Northern Ireland relates to the traditions of Northern Ireland and its resident communities.
Elements of the culture of Ireland and culture of the United Kingdom are to be found.
Heritage
Food and drink
Music
Among traditional songs are The Sash and A Londonderry Air.
Media
Languages
There are two recognised regional languages in Northern Ireland: Irish language (see Irish language in Northern Ireland) and Ulster Scots language.
Chinese is now the second most widely spoken language in Northern Ireland, with Urdu also a significant minority language.
Sport
Some team sports are played on an all-Ireland basis, while in others Northern Ireland fields its own team. See Sport in Ireland
Arts
Symbolism and traditions
There is no longer an official Flag of Northern Ireland, as the 'Northern Ireland Flag' was abolished along with the Parliament of Northern Ireland in 1972. Unionists tend to use the Union flag and sometimes the Northern Ireland Flag, while Nationalists typically use the Flag of Ireland. Both sides also occasionally use the flags of secular and religious organizations they belong to. Some groups, including the Irish Rugby Football Union have used the Flag of St. Patrick as a symbol of Ireland which lacks the same nationalist or unionist connotations, but even this is felt by some to be a loyalist flag. No universally acceptable symbol has yet been found.
The flax flower, representing the linen industry, has been used as a neutral symbol - as for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The Orange Order has less cultural power than formerly, and St. Patrick's Day is enjoyed by all communities.
Parades to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne continue - sometimes in the face of opposition. The bowler hat is a symbol of Orangism.
The Apprentice Boys of Derry organise commemorative events.
See also
