There was a 10 minute stand off between returning Apprentice Boys and the security forces after the traditional march route in Armagh city was shortened because 200 nationalists were blocking the Shambles junction in Lower English Street.
The parade of about 100 marchers with two bands was re routed up College Street. At the top, three army Saracens were used to seal Lower English Street to prevent the Apprentice Boys and nationalists seeing each other.
But when the parade reached the junction, instead of turning towards the city centre, the marchers swung right to confront the security blockade.
Fire crackers were let off, party tunes played and banners, along with the Union Jack, waved high for the nationalist crowd to see over the top of the army vehicles.
The parade then re formed and continued through the main shopping centre to the Orange Hall on the Mall.
The protesters greeted the confrontation with cheers. There were shouts of "Up the IBA" from some of the younger elements and sticks were beaten against the steel shutters of business premises.
Sinn Fein members prevented an attempt by a small section of the crowd to move up behind the army lines.
A nationalist protest in Keady, Co Armagh, passed off peacefully.