TWELFTH of July parades this summer have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It is the first time the annual events have not been held since the Second World War.
Parades had been due to take place at 17 locations across Northern Ireland and also in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal.
Alternative ways to mark the Twelfth which abide by social distancing restrictions are being considered, such as organising online activities.
Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, said the decision was made to "prioritise the safety of not only our members, but of the entire community".
"It is with regret that I must cancel the 2020 Boyne anniversary parades," he said.
"In the face of the growing crisis surrounding coronavirus, it is in the best interests of our members, their families and the wider community that this decision has been made.
"In the current circumstances, the gathering of hundreds of thousands of Orangemen and women, together with their accompanying bands and spectators, would not be responsible.
"I appreciate that our culture and traditions are very much a way of life for the Orange family, however in light of the current situation we must prioritise the safety of not only our members, but of the entire community."
The Twelfth is the main date in the unionist marching season and normally attracts thousands of Orange lodge members, bandsmen and spectators.
It marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Dutch-born Protestant leader King William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James the second in Co Meath.
Demonstrations were not held for a time during the First and Second World Wars or during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918.
Alternative ways to mark the occasion were found at the time like flying flags and creating displays of Orange lilies, the institution said.
Mr Stevenson added: "We will look at alternative ways the Twelfth of July can be appropriately marked in 2020, following the guidelines and restrictions applicable at that time."
The cancellation follows consultation with the order's Grand Masters in England and Scotland.
"For some, the coming days will be extremely painful," Mr Stevenson added.
"We must bear in mind that for many people there will be no return of normal life. They will have lost loved ones.
"The Orange family has already lost members to this terrible virus whilst others are currently in hospital."
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson expressed his support for the decision.
"There are many people who look forward to that time of the year and all of the events that take place, but protecting human life has to be our number one priority right now," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme.
Ulster Unionist leader, Steve Aiken said it was a "sensible and welcome" decision.
"We are in unprecedented times and I commend the Orange Order for putting the health of our citizens first and taking this decision," he said.
"These are extraordinary times, and they require extraordinary decisions for the benefit of us all."
