What is BONFIRE NIGHT? | British Traditions & Culture

Remember, remember the fifth of November. Why?

Because it's Bonfire Night!

But what is Bonfire Night?

Why do we celebrate?

How do we celebrate?

Bonfire Night was started because of a plot

that was foiled back in 1605

on November the fifth.

A group of people had been plotting

to blow up Parliament

with King James inside,

and one of these plotters was called Guy Fawkes.

On the 5th of November he was discovered

in the basement of the Houses of Parliament

with a huge barrel full of gunpowder

and a fuse ready to be lit.

The guard discovered him, arrested him.

He was tried and found guilty,

after which he was hung, drawn and quartered.

A nasty punishment!

In order to celebrate his survival,

King James ordered the people of England

to light a huge bonfire

on the evening of the 5th of November.

And that is how Bonfire Night began.

Back in the 1600s Bonfire Night was about politics and religion

and it caused some unrest for many many years.

But these days we've forgotten all of that,

and Bonfire Night is all about

having fun and social interaction.

So what will you find in the UK on Bonfire Night?

Well...

[1] Bonfires.

Usually there's one big organised event

that you can go to, where they have a huge bonfire

that's kept very safe.

[2] Fireworks.

There has to be fireworks on Bonfire Night.

Of course it's not fun for the animals -

they find it quite nerve-wrecking.

But for the kiddies and for the families alike,

we all enjoy a good fireworks display.

[3] Guy Fawkes.

Even though Bonfire Night is no longer about politics,

Guy still features in most Bonfire Nights.

Children will enjoy making a huge life-size guy

out of tights and newspapers and old clothes.

And what they would normally do then is

throw the guy onto the bonfire and burn him.

Which is interesting, because the original Guy Fawkes

wasn't killed with fire.

He was hung, drawn and quartered.

And many organised events will also include things like

music, rides or funfair-type stalls.

You might even find candyfloss,

toffee apples, alcohol being served.

It really is just a chance for families to get together

and enjoy a good night out in the fresh air,

hopefully when it's not raining.

So if you are celebrating Bonfire Night

with a little sparkler, a bonfire and some fireworks,

then I hope that you have a wonderful time,

but remember to stay safe.

Until next time, take care!

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