MAIN Home Life Holidays & Observances Guy Fawkes Day

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!

November 5, 2010 marks the 405th anniversary of that fateful day in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and 12 conspirators planned to blow Parliament to smithereens — and were stopped in their tracks when Fawkes himself was caught with 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords.

Ever since, bonfires have lit the night skies across the U.K. every year on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot. Major celebrations take place in the UK from the last days of October through the first week of November with fireworks taking the place of the traditional bonfires in many towns.

Burning effigies of "the Guy" on Bonfire Night (or Fireworks Night... or Plot Night depending on local traditions) has also became a popular passtime, most notably in Lewes, which boasts the biggest bonfire night party in the UK together with spectacular fireworks displays and festive foods prepared in celebration.

In Australia, the unofficial holiday also goes by the name "cracker night." While it is no longer common to find young boys dressed in ragged clothes begging, "A penny for the guy...," to finance a purchase of sweets or fireworks to celebrate the occasion, many dads and grandfathers still miss the festivities.

The tradition is still active in New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland and Labrador in northern Canada and in many communities around the world where bonfires, fireworks and fun have been carried on by Guy Fawkes Day followers living abroad.

More about Guy Fawkes Day & Bonfire Night around the Web:

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more about Guy Fawkes and infamous Papist Plot, along with special bonfire & fireworks displays, party ideas, recipes and general fun & frivolity planned in commemoration of Guy Fawkes Day...

Guy Fawkes & Bonfire Night - Entertaining online exhibit with facts and history, current Guy Fawkes Day celebrations in the UK and around the world, traditional rhymes and chants, recipes, e-cards, related links and an online shop.

Gunpowder Plot Society - Everything you always wanted to know, including downloadable texts of documents pertaining to the Guy Fawkes plot, bio's on the major and minor players, links to associated places, history timeline.

Bonfire Night Recipes - With complete instructions for cold night comfort foods including hot spiced cider, mulled wine, soups, nibbles, and sweet treats to savor.

Bonfire Night Party Ideas - Online guide with tips on organizing fireworks displays, safety tips, music lists, party food & drink ideas.

Animated Guy Fawkes Day E-Cards - Nice selection of sendable greetings including animated fireworks, bonfires, rockets.

UK Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night Fireworks

also see -> London Tourist Attractions | England Travel

Scotland Tourism | Edinburgh Tourist Attractions

Christmas in the UK | Queen's Birthday