Bonfires commemorate the foiling of a 17th century plot to blow up Parliament. Celebrants burn effigies of Guy Fawkes, one of the plotters, on the bonfires.
An Effigy of Guy Fawkes blazes on a giant bonfire during Britain's annual Guy Fawkes events. The sinister image belies the celebration of the foiling of a 17th century plot to blow up Parliament.