How to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in the UK

Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, is a British custom that celebrates one of history's most famous failed assassination attempts. On the morning of November 5, 1605, mercenary Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding around 30 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar underneath the House of Lords. Fawkes and his fellow conspirators had planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament, assassinating the king and countless other heads of state during the State Opening. After hearing of the thwarted plot, citizens lit bonfires to celebrate the king's safety. Ever since then, Guy Fawkes Night has been celebrated not only in England, but around the world. Now you and your family can learn how to celebrate this fun and historical night.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Grab a bundle of dried logs and build a big bonfire. Bonfires have been lit on Guy Fawkes Night since the failed plot was discovered in 1605. The general school of thought on Guy Fawkes Night bonfires is that bigger is better, but remember to keep the celebration fun by using proper safety methods when building your bonfire.

2. Make a "Guy" to burn in effigy. Ever since 1605, British children have been making homemade scarecrow-like dolls named "Guys." These dolls are usually made out of old clothes or straw tied together with twine to resemble a human form. Once the fire really starts burning, these dolls are tossed into the flames in honor of infamous conspirator Guy Fawkes.

3. Roast a sausage or some marshmallows over the open flames. No Guy Fawkes Night celebration is complete without some great food cooked over the bonfire. Sausages and marshmallows are favorite treats, but other traditional Guy Fawkes night foods include bonfire baked potatoes and breads.

4. Watch a fireworks display. Fireworks represent the gunpowder element of the failed Gunpowder Plot, and firework displays are traditional in cities and villages throughout England. Lewes, in southeastern England, is particularly famous for its Guy Fawkes Night festivities and fireworks, and attract thousands of visitors each year.

5. Tell the story of the history behind Guy Fawkes Night. End your Guy Fawkes Night celebration with a retelling of the history of the Gunpowder Plot. Don't forget to teach your little ones the traditional Bonfire Night rhyme: "Remember, remember, the fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. We see no reason, why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot."

Tips & Warnings

• Use crumpled old newspapers, gathered twigs or old socks to make your "Guy." If you want to get really fancy, you can use markers, paints or crayons to decorate your guy to look more like a person.

• Children should be supervised at all times while enjoying the Guy Fawkes Night bonfire.

Resources

• Bonfire Night
• Guy Fawkes Night