Last time they danced through the streets of west Belfast with joy. There were champagne and carnations as thousands of people gathered at Connolly House, Sinn Fein's headquarters, to celebrate the IRA ceasefire three years ago. Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness were feted like all-conquering heroes. They were swamped in a sea of hugs and kisses. From every angle, arms stretched out to touch the leaders who had brought the republican movement to the centre of the world stage.
The scenes outside Connolly House on Saturday, hours after the second cessation was announced, were a pale imitation. Even the glorious sunshine didn't help. Gone were the ecstasy, the hope and excitement.
Only around 300 people assembled for the post-ceasefire rally, a fraction of the attendance at normal republican gatherings. It wasn't even enough to stop the traffic. Sinn Fein officials had to move people from the pavement on to the road in order to create a presence.
There was the odd kiss for Gerry Adams, the occasional pat on the back for Martin McGuinness, but no great waves of emotion swept across west Belfast. Last time music had blasted from loud-speakers through the streets. This time, only a single car drove up and down the road playing a worn tape of Sean South of Garryowen.
Mr Adams got his excuses in early. Journalists, he said, had pointed out that it was a very different atmosphere from August 1994. That had been an unprecedented historical occasion, he said.
People had embraced the moment with the same magnanimity with which the IRA had called its ceasefire. But the opportunity for peace had been squandered. This time, there was more caution among nationalists, he said.
Besides, Mr Adams went on to explain, most Belfast people "take themselves off to other climes" during the Twelfth holidays.
And anyway, he added, Sinn Fein didn't want triumphalist displays. There was another chance for the peace process, he said, but much hard work lay ahead. The people applauded politely.
Mr Adams paid tribute to the IRA leaders and grassroots members. That raised a cheer. Then he passed on to "our old friend" Mr McGuinness, who had been there in good times and bad.
Mr McGuinness said Sinn Fein was not afraid to negotiate with the British or the unionists and was confident of the validity of its case. The struggle hadn't ended in 1994 and it wasn't going to end now, he said. There was another brief cheer.
He praised the IRA leadership for making its "courageous" decision. He said there must be fundamental political change and equality and justice for nationalists.
Then it was back to Mr Adams who said that Ita Gray, one of Sinn Fein's newly elected councillors in Lisburn, Co Antrim, would speak.
Ms Gray said there would be a rally the following day and that people should attend local protests and meetings. She handed the mike back to Mr Adams.
After Saturday's rally, the faithful few just went home.