Bonfire Night in London

Nov. 5, is known as Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom. It is usually commemorated with a number of bonfires and fireworks displays all over the world.

In 1605, Guy Fawkes and a small group of men responded to King James’ lack of tolerance for English Catholics by attempting to blow up the House of Lords. The men supposedly rolled more than 30 barrels of gunpowder into the cellar of the building and planned on lighting them on Nov. 5.

There is much debate over how these men were thwarted. Some believe a letter was written by a group member or the family that made its way to the King’s men. However they were notified, they stormed the cellar on Nov. 5, to find Guy Fawkes preparing to light the barrels of gunpowder. He was later tortured and killed, but his actions stayed with the English people.

To commemorate the capture of Guy Fawkes, those who celebrate bundle up and go out to enjoy bonfires and fireworks displays. Some believe the celebrations began to laud the safety of the King, while others enjoy the fireworks and bonfires to celebrate the rebellious spirit of Guy Fawkes with the same fervor and excitement as July 4 in the United States.

The best place to be on Guy Fawkes Day is London. The city offers the most Guy Fawkes Day events than anywhere else in the world and the best fireworks as well. Here are just a few of the many amazing locations to see the fireworks in London: the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Battersea Park and Southwark Park. These firework displays are all top rated and are excellent spots for taking the sights of the city as well.