Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, dates back to 1605. Guy Fawkes was a member of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to kill King James I by blowing up Parliament. He was found guarding explosives underground, and he and the other conspirators were found and sentenced to death.
Historically, there was a lot of anti-Catholicism involved. Effigies of the Pope and Catholic leaders were burned. Those particular customs are no longer associated with Bonfire Night, but you can check out Wikipedia if you want to learn more.
Today, the holiday is celebrated with bonfires and huge displays of fireworks. People make effigies of Guy Fawkes, which can be burned in the bonfire.
We went to a celebration cohosted by the kids' school. Matt's mom was in town too, so she got to come. There were hot sandwiches, raffle drawings, and a bouncy castle. There was also wine and beer for the adults, woohoo!
It was really cold, so much different than the 4th of July events we've been to in the States. We were all bundled up in coats, extra pairs of socks, mittens and hats. We didn't get many pictures because we needed our gloves! Miles found a friend from school, and the kids played on the bouncy castle until the bonfire was lit. The cold didn't seem to bother them at all... yet.
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| Clara and me in front of the fire. I think that's Lily next to me. |
Once the bonfire was going, we walked over to warm up a bit. There was a crowd, but since the fire was so big it did help. Briefly. Luckily the fireworks started soon after, and all three kids were just enthralled. By the time the fireworks were over, poor Lily was shivering, so we grabbed a flapjack for the kids and headed home.
Overall it was fun, especially for the kids. For days after, Miles talked about how Bonfire Night is his favorite day ever. I'm looking forward to celebrating again next year, and hopefully it's just a little warmer!
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