November is filled with celebrations and historical and mystical traditions around the world. In countries such as United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa celebrate the tradition of Bonfire Nightor, Guy Fawkes Night, and bonfire night. This tradition is celebrated on November 5th of each year in United Kingdom and celebrates a historical fact with fireworks, bonfires, burning scarecrows, many lights, and rich snacks.

In 1605, began the reign of James I and all of the Catholics hoped to have a better deal by the monarchy. Previously, under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, Catholics were not allowed to attend mass or be faithful to the pope. There were many dissatisfied citizens, who saw that the abuse wasn’t going to change, decided to assassinate the king one night, in Parliament. They took 35 barrels of explosives and waited to set fire to the place and had planned to abduct infants and families from any Member of Parliament, however, they were discovered. This historical fact is known as the failure of the gunpowder plot.

The celebration has taken on several names, such as, Guy Fawkes Night, since the kings guards captured a subject by the name of Guy Fawkes, who was indicted for attempted murder. Each year, the English celebrate having saved the king that night by burning figures of a man, alluding to Guy Fawkes. Nights before November 5th, children of England used to go from house to house asking for “a penny for Guy”. With the money they collected, they bought the material needed to manufacture these dolls thus being able to burn them during the night of the fire.

In addition to the construction and burning of these figures, Englishmen have adopted the tradition of burning fireworks to make the celebration more colorful. Every year they make a parade dressed in black striped sweaters and red hats, of clothing of the time, carrying torches, dolls, and other items with fire. As a part of this celebration families gather to dine with traditional dishes, such as, roasted potatoes, sausages, mash, and candied apples.

It is important to point out that today this holiday does not have an anti-Catholic nature. The official party was abolished in the 19th century now this tradition is very popular. Locals have even come to burn figures of important characters in English culture that have nothing to do with the original tradition. Every country has its deeply-rooted traditions and it is important that they are not lost. To have this anchor to the past helps remind all mankind the place where we come from and who we are today.