Bonfire Night refers to a variety of annual festivals that feature bonfires and fireworks. Depending on the country, the event commemorates various traditions on different dates.
1. What is the Date of Bonfire Night?
Every November 5, Bonfire Night, also known in the United Kingdom as Guy Fawkes Night (or Guy Fawkes Day), is lit to commemorate the failed 17th-century attempt to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I. You can commemorate the day by lighting your bonfire, attending a fireworks display, or learning more about the Gunpowder Plot.
2. Bonfire Night History
Due to the major conspirator in King James, I'm botched assassination, Bonfire Night is also known as Guy Fawkes Night. During this episode, a group of British-born Catholics installed a store of gunpowder beneath the Houses of Parliament, which they intended to ignite while the King was present. This incident intended to assassinate the monarch and replace him with a Catholic head of state, therefore ending Protestant sovereignty over the country. With his history of battling against the Catholic Spanish, who was at the time England's worst foes, the discovery of Guy Fawkes guarding the treasure in the underground cellar sparked nationwide jubilation. The death of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators in January was followed by an order from the King allowing celebration for the foiled scheme as long as it caused no public damage or danger to revelers.
For many years, Guy Fawkes was the focal point for anti-Catholic animosity, and festivals defending the English Church lasted well into the Victorian era. Even though Halloween is only five days earlier and is celebrated throughout the Western World, Guy Fawkes Night remains a fixture of British and London culture to this day. That's why, around this time of year, so many visitors travel to the city, hoping to find cheap London hotels with breakfast.
3. Bonfire Night Activities
Light your bonfire
Lighting your campfire, regardless of where you live, is a fun and easy way to commemorate Bonfire Night. Gather your friends and some wood to make s'mores!
Eat bangers and mash
You can roast a sausage over your bonfire if you want to go all out. However, if you prefer to keep things simple, you can simply eat the traditional feast of bangers and mash.
Read up on the Gunpowder Plot
The celebration of Bonfire Night originated the same year that the Gunpowder Plot was attempted. Many Londoners were aware that the King's life had been saved, resulting in a bonfire celebration that night.
Bake bonfire cupcakes
If you don't like bonfire toffee or simply prefer alternative bonfire-themed sweet treats, nothing beats preparing themed cupcakes! They're simple to construct and enjoyable to decorate with your children, making them an excellent activity for bonfire night.
Straw sparklers
These straw sparklers are simple to make and are ideal for celebrating bonfire night.
Paint a firework scene
Encourage your children to create their own fantastic firework scenario on paper, using only used toilet paper tubes! Painting is one of the best bonfire night projects to do and is ideal for crafty kids.
Pop-up fireworks
Another method to enjoy fireworks safely indoors is to make a pop-up version that your children may use to create their own indoor display. These DIY pop-up fireworks are ideal for a fun bonfire night, but they may also be used on New Year's Eve!
Watch a fireworks display
This November, one of the best ways to celebrate bonfire night is to watch a fireworks display! There are numerous local fireworks displays to visit, making for a fun family outing.
4. Bonfire Night Facts
It was once illegal not to celebrate Bonfire Night in Britain
There was only one place in the UK at the time that declined to celebrate the unsuccessful attempt. St Peter's School in York, where Guy Fawkes attended, was excused from burning a photograph of a former student. I honored the best firework manufacturer in the country, Queen Elizabeth.
The former monarch was such a fan of pyrotechnics that she invented a title for the lucky person she thought was the best firework creator in the country, who would then be known as the "Fire Master of England." How's that for a compliment?
The Yeomen of the Guard still search the Houses of Parliament
…just in case anybody tries to take a leaf out of Guy Fawkes’ book this Bonfire Night.
The village of Ottery St. Mary sees a time-honored tradition in celebration of Bonfire Night
During Bonfire Night, the East Devon village's residents take turns carrying big barrels of blazing tar on their shoulders in celebration - not something to try at home.
Your average sparkler burns at between 1000-1500°C
This means that three of them can attain the same temperature as a blowtorch when burned together. So, to avoid any mishaps, make sure you place them in a bucket of water!
The 36 barrels of gunpowder would have destroyed how we see London today
If Guy Fawkes and his associates were successful, they would have destroyed the structure, as well as caused damage to the buildings that surround the Houses of Parliament, and changed how we perceive London today. According to research, a 2,500kg gunpowder burst would have demolished Westminster Hall and the Abbey.
Fireworks were invented by accident
A Chinese cook in the 10th century accidentally produced fireworks by combining common cooking items of the time: sulfur, charcoal, and a salt replacement. The concoction was ignited, resulting in colorful flames. Making our final Bonfire Night fact a lovely calamity!
5. Bonfire Night Quotes
“We shall go wild with fireworks… and they will plunge into the sky and shatter the darkness.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.”
“There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.”
“When there’s darkness around you, shine your light even brighter.”
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
“Baby you’re a firework, come on, let your colors burst, make them go!”
“Cherish those nights when the moon and the stars aren’t the brightest things in the sky.”
“Every year, I fall for bonfires, autumn leaves, s’mores, and you.”
“She lit a fire, but now she’s in my every thought.”
“Love and fire are the same.”
“You’re the fire burning inside of me.”
“A spark can become a flame; a flame can become a fire.”
“Desire is a bonfire that burns with greater fury.”
“All I need is a bonfire with my bae.”
“You light the spark in my bonfire heart.”
“Cause I’m burnin’ up, burnin’ up for you, baby.”
“Come on baby, light my fire.”
“Yeah, I saw sparks.
Cuddle weather is my favorite weather.
Straight fire.”
“I’d like to see you s’more and s’more.
Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”
“Of all the fires, love is the only inexhaustible one.”
