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Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated every year on November 5. It is commonly referred to as Bonfire Night or Firework Night and is primarily celebrated in Great Britain. This event marks the anniversary of a plot devised by Catholic conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. People in Great Britain commemorate this day by lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks.
“Remember remember the fifth of November – Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason Should ever be forgot.” – Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 5 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 5 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 5 | Sunday |
History of Guy Fawkes Day
Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which aimed to assassinate King James I and destroy the English Parliament. One of the main conspirators in the plot was Guy Fawkes, after whom the day was named. In the 17th century, Catholics in Great Britain grew frustrated with the harsh attitudes of both the government and the general populace toward their religion. The Gunpowder Plot was intended to ignite a Catholic uprising.
Approximately 36 barrels of gunpowder were stored in the House of Lords, concealed with iron bars and firewood. However, the conspiracy was exposed when a secret letter was sent to Lord Monteagle, warning him not to attend Parliament on that day. This prompted a thorough search for the plotters, and Guy Fawkes was ultimately captured, along with several others who were either apprehended or killed.
The people of Great Britain rejoiced that their king had been saved, and this was marked by the lighting of firecrackers and bonfires, leading to the establishment of Guy Fawkes Day.
Other Celebrations on November 5
November 5 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
The celebration of Bonfire Night includes fireworks and bonfires. Unlike in the 18th and 19th centuries, the celebrations of Guy Fawkes Night have largely diminished. However, some parts of Great Britain still commemorate the day in traditional ways.
People run through the streets with tar barrels, and in certain areas, effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned. Bonfires play a significant role in the celebrations, with the largest bonfire being in Lewes, England. Thousands of people gather in Lewes at night in front of a giant bonfire to honor the occasion. In Lewes, Guy Fawkes Night is also celebrated in memory of the Protestant martyrs who lost their lives during the Marian persecutions. Share your celebrations and thoughts about the day on social media using the hashtags #GuyFawkesDay or #GuyFawkesNight.