Study Abroad Europe 2009

Remember, remember the fifth of November,

The gunpowder treason and plot,

I see no reason

Why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,

'Twas his intent

to blow up the King and Parliament.

Three score barrles of powder below

Poor old England to overthrow.

By God's providence he was catch'd

With dark cantern and burning match.

Holla boys, holla boys!

Let the bells ring!

Holla boys, holla boys!

God save the King.

Guy Fawkes Night is an annual celebration on the evening of 5 November. It marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to destroy the Houses of Parliament, in London, capital of England.

It is primarily marked in the United Kingdom where, by an Act of Parliament called the Thanksgiving Act, it was compulsory until 1859, to celebrate the deliverance of the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland; but it is also celebrated in former British colonies including New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and parts of the Caribbean. Bonfire Night was celebrated in Australia until the mid- to late 1970s, when sale and public use of fireworks was made illegal and the celebration was effectively abolished. It is also celebrated in the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda. Festivities are centred on the use of fireworks and the lighting of bonfires.

So for us this means celebrations Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday!!! I only went out Friday night, but there are pictures of fabulous fireworks!!