If Halloween is a bit of a Johnny-come-lately in England, that's because the British have a very spectacular autumn celebration of their own. Guy Fawkes, or Bonfire Night, commemorates an event on November 5, 1605, when Guy Fawkes and a group of plotters were caught planting gunpowder to blow up the Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.
The event is remembered every year with huge public bonfires and fireworks displays as well as loads of private bonfires and fireworks parties. Some say it is the smokiest night in the United Kingdom. It's certainly the night when local fire departments are busiest!
At one time, children used to set up stuffed effigies of Guy Fawkes on the streets and beg, "A penny for the Guy?" - the money going to purchase firecrackers. But, since it is now illegal to sell those to children (and since the most mercenary kids go trick or treating for Halloween instead), collecting for the Guy is less common. To keep up the old tradition, an effigy of Guy Fawkes (a sort of scarecrow, actually) is tossed on the fire at many public gatherings. Sausages and baked potatoes, which were once roasted over a bonfire, are traditional Guy Fawkes fare.
Guy Fawkes is just one of the fire festivals that remind visitors of Britain's ancient, Northern European traditions. Find out more about:
- Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night in the UK - What's it all about and where to find it.
- Guy Fawkes the Early Years - Visit Guy Fawkes landmarks in York
- More Fire Festivals in the UK
- Cook up Bangers and Mash for Bonfire Night
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