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Remember, remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder treason and plot…

Gunpowder Day offers an interesting and unique opportunity to dig into a tradition that dates back more than four centuries in England.

History of Gunpowder Day

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night, Gunpowder Day focuses on the plot by Guy Fawkes and at least eleven other conspirators to blow up Britain’s parliament in 1605. Rebelling against the persecution of Catholics by King James I, this group of rebels had plans to kill the monarch during his visit to parliament. But, as most people know, the scheme was foiled and the traitors were executed!

This day is sometimes known as Guy Fawkes Day, simply because that was the name of the first of the conspirators who was caught guarding 36 barrels of explosives. Although the others tried to run when Fawkes was discovered, they were caught, tried for treason, and eventually executed. In celebration of the fact that the king had been spared, people all over London lit bonfires on that night in 1605. Because of this, the day is also sometimes referred to as Bonfire Night by the folks in England.

Gunpowder Day was declared by an official act in 1606 and comes with a tradition of more than 400 years and continues to be celebrated as a day of giving thanks for the lives of those who were spared that day.

How to Celebrate Gunpowder Day

Wondering about the best ways to join in on the fun of celebrating Gunpowder Day? Consider some of these ideas for getting involved the day:

Join a Gunpowder Day Celebration

Those who are living in the UK should certainly be able to find a way to join others in celebrating this day! On Gunpowder Day, families or groups of people in communities will often construct an effigy of Guy Fawkes to be burned on a bonfire in the evening. Fireworks may also be set off to add to the festive feeling of the celebration. Public displays may also be organized in communities all over England.

Host a Gunpowder Day Party

Those who don’t live in an area where Gunpowder Day is celebrated might want to take matters into their own hands and host a party in honor of Bonfire Night. Of course, the most important activity would be to have a safe bonfire, where possible, but a smaller campfire style one would also do in a pinch. Play some games together as a group or host some relay races just for fun while waiting for the fire portion of the evening to begin.

Don’t forget to set off some firecrackers or spin some sparklers, whatever is legal and safe based on the location. No matter what activities are included, the best part about it is getting friends and family together to share in some food, fun and the joy of the day!

Attend the Largest Gunpowder Day Celebrations

The biggest celebration of Gunpowder Day takes place each year in Lewes in East Sussex, England. During this time, Several different bonfire societies host their own fireworks displays and gargantuan bonfires. After sunset, a large procession of all of the societies moves through Lewes. Many members carry flame torches and a river of fire can be seen flowing through the town during the evening. It’s a perfect way to spend celebrating and enjoying this day!

Enjoy Some Traditional Foods

Over the years, throughout England, Scotland and Wales (but especially England!), different traditions for celebrating Gunpowder Day have developed, including eating foods such as hot soups with grilled or baked potatoes, as well as Parkin cake, which is a sticky type of dessert that is made with oatmeal, ginger, syrup and molasses. Toffee apples are another favorite treat for this day, often in the northern parts of England. Other traditional foods that might be served could be sausages or hot dogs and marshmallows that are grilled or toasted over the open flames of a fire.

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