Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night is a very British celebration. It celebrates a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament (that's where Big Ben is) in London. This was probably one of the first examples of terrorism, only it didn't work. It all happened on November the fifth, 1605. This was the day that the king was due to open Parliament. The plan became known as the 'Gunpowder Plot' and the leader of the group was called Guy Fawkes. A group of Catholics who were unhappy with their Protestant rulers put 36 barrels of gunpowder in the Houses of Parliament and waited for the king to arrive. The men decided that Guy Fawkes should light the gunpowder and cause the explosion. The police found the gunpowder before it exploded and they caught all the men involved in the plot. The men were tortured and killed. Guy Fawkes was arrested. He was put on a bonfire and burned to death. To celebrate his survival, King James ordered the people of England to have a bonfire on the night of 5 November.

Guy Fawkes' Day is not a public holiday. Businesses, organizations and schools are open as usual. Public transport services run to their normal timetables.  In Britain and former British colonies, this day is also called Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night is perhaps the biggest outdoor celebration in Britain. Unfortunately, it  takes place at night. You also have to brave the cold, but it is a happy occasion. Every town and village puts on a fireworks display. There is usually a large bonfire in the middle of the town. People gather at it to watch the fireworks and eat traditional Guy Fawkes Night food. Baked potatoes and toffee apples are the most popular treats. There is usually a mock guy on the bonfire to represent the real one that died 400 years ago. Many families have smaller celebrations and will have their own, private fireworks display in their garden. It is the ideal opportunity to burn garden rubbish. There are many warnings to be careful because every year, children are injured in fireworks accidents.

Bonfire Night can be a bit scary! Don`t forget, it`s a time when people dress up, burn effigies and even crosses.

Recorces: https://eslholidaylessons.com/11/guy_fawkes_night.html