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, 2012 marks the 407th 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 late October through the first week of November with fireworks or traditional bonfires ablaze in many towns. Most notably in Lewes, the UK town boasts the biggest bonfire night party in the nation, featuring spectacular fireworks displays and festive foods prepared in celebration. Burning effigies of "the Guy" on Bonfire Night (or Fireworks Night... or Plot Night, depending on local traditions) has also became a popular pastime.

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

Guy Fawkes in pop culture

Condemned as a traitor in the 17th century, Guy Fawkes slowly but surely took on the status of legend by the 19th century, when Fawkes was being portrayed in a generally sympathetic light in historical romances and popular books.

Today, instead of a being held up as object of derision, Fawkes is sometimes referred to by cynics as "the only man ever to enter Parliament with honest intentions".

Most recently, Fawkes' reputation as a popular revolutionary was reinforced in the 2006 film V for Vendetta, based on the comic novel by Alan Moore. As the character V rallies the public to take back the reigns of government, the modern plot's protagonist wears a Guy Fawkes mask in a futuristic story driven by strong allusions to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

In real world politics, members of the Internet group Anonymous - famed for initiating online civil disobedience - has also incorporated Fawkes symbolism by appearing in public wearing Guy Fawkes masks popularized by the comic book and film. The protesters' adoption of the mask has led to it become the top-selling mask on Amazon.com, selling hundreds of thousands a year.

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, information on current Guy Fawkes Day celebrations in the UK and around the world, traditional rhymes and chants, recipes, e-cards, related resources, 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

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