How to Celebrate Guy Hawkes Day

Guy Fawkes was a British revolutionary, who with a group of other co-conspirators attempted to overthrow the government by blowing up Parliament. Guy Fawkes and his cohorts were betrayed by their sense of conscious and now, each year on November 5^th, people throughout the word have bonfires, light fireworks, and hold parades in commemoration of the Day. While celebration has been recognized for over 400 years, you, your family and friend can enjoy this memorable Fall holiday.

TRADITION

Guy Fawkes Day, also referred to as Bonny Day, Bonfire Day and Cracker Day, is recognized in England, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, some parts of the United States, and the Caribbean. Guy Fawkes celebrations are generally marked by parties, carnivals, bonfires and fireworks displays. Some communities hold official celebrations, but in most countries, celebrations are basically private parties and bonfire. And, depending on which part of the world you are from party menus can include anything from roasted chestnuts to toffee apples to barbeque ribs.

THE PLAN

The first thing you need to do in planning your private Guy Fawkes Day celebration is to decide what type of celebration do you want to have. The options are endless, you can have a private costume party or a bonfire party.

Once you decide the type of celebration, you have to decide your guest list, venue, activities and the menu. Once these details are finalized, send out invitations to family and friends.

THE VENUE

If you want to have a bonfire as part of your party, you will need a location that is secure and appropriate for your large pyre. If you have an open backyard, clearing or garden, you are half way there. There are area pubs which hold celebrations or can serve as the spot for your Guy Fawkes Day celebrations.

For you bonfire, you may need to get a permit before the festivities. Once you are clear, you collect the wood and fire safety tools (fire extinguishers, water, salt, and sand.) If you are having a private party, pick a nice open hall or prepare your home accordingly.

THE ACTIVITIES

For your bonfire party, you can simply set up some simply games, music and a nice selection of foods while your guests enjoy the warmth and light of the night fire. For a in house party, there are a host of entertaining games, food, and festive tunes.

Fireworks

One of the tried and true traditions of a spirited Guy Fawkes Day includes fireworks. Lots of localities and countries have rules about fireworks because of environmental and public safety concerns. Sometimes, permits are required. If you are able to purchase fireworks, be sure to buy from respected dealers. Also, buy based on your guests. If you have little kids, they love crazy colors and sparklers. For those big kids, adults, at your celebration love the loud, the lovely and loaded rockets and cascading explosions.

Burning Effigies

Most of the Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Day celebrations include the burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes. In other celebrations, effigies of Pope V or Anna Maria Outerbridge, a leader of the Boer War Relief Committee,.are burned. Decide what effigy, if any, you want to burn and make it. Using old clothes, paper mache, and stuffing you can make a workable effigy for torching.

Guy Fawkes Games

If you are indoors, you and friends can take turns playing the online Guy Fawkes Game. In this game, you help the Revolutionary Guy push barrels. Make it a competition to try to get through the 30 levels.

We all know that Guy was part of the 1605 plot to overthrow the government. The folks at the BBC have worked out an interactive game, the Gunpowder Plot Game, that tests your knowledge of Guy Fawkes and the Guynpowder Conspiracy trivia. Whether you are a history buff or not, this game will offer loads of fun.

There is also the Guy Fawkes Day Live Action Role Playing game. With 20 or more of your friends, you can have fun playing specific roles, like in Dungeons and Dragons, but offering a spin on history.

Or just have a good time party. Have DJs playing your favorite music and have enough room to dance freely around your home or blazing bonfire.

MENU

For the bonfire set, center your feast on fire friendly foods. You can have fire baked potatoes. You can also have samples of sausages, pies, hot savory soups (spiced pumpkin or vegetable), stews, sandwiches, and a selection of drinks, alcoholic (mulled wines and beers) and non-alcoholic (hot juices and ciders.)

For the pub set, you can pre-set you selection based on the pubs menu and ale stock. If you bring food, think of buffet favorites. Depending on your area, barbeque ribs are just as common as treacle toffee.

In your home based celebration, you won't be as limited by outdoor cooking. Make your favorites. Ask guests to bring their favorites as well. Your foods can range from kabobs to crackers and dip. Have a nice selection of meats, drinks, sides and sweets.

AFTER THE PARTY

Once the fires are out and the guests have gone, be sure to check for smoldering embers and collect trash. Have any last minute guests help with clean up and taking care of those guests who over indulged.

Each November 5^th,Guy Fawkes and his cohorts are remembering. While the meaning of the day may be lost to many, the wonder of the celebration burns on. With careful planning, you can host a memorable Bonfire Day celebration for your family and friends.

For more information and ideas for your Guy Fawkes Day celebration, check out the following websites:

http://www.fox-and-parrot.com/guy_fawkes.shtml

http://www.fireworks.com/guy-fawkes/guy-fawkes.asp

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/launch_gms_gunpowder_plot.shtml

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/guyfawkes/index.htm

http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/guy-fawkes-day.htm