Guy Fawkes Night

November 5^th is Guy Fawkes Day in Britain. All over the country people build wood fires, or “bonfires”, in their gardens. On top of each bonfire is a guy. That is a figure of Guy Fawkes. He was one of a band who wanted to destroy the House of Parliament and kill King James 1st and his ministeries. What was the reason?

When Elizabeth I-st came to the throne in England, she made laws against the Roman Catholics. Guy Fawkes was one of that group of Catholics. He hoped that King James 1^st would change the laws, but he didn’t.
The plan failed. On the morning of 5^th November, soldiers discovered Guy Fawkes who was hidden in the cellar. He was taken to the Tower of London.

How do people celebrate this day:

Guy Fawkes' Day is not a public holiday. Businesses, organizations and schools are open as usual. In some towns and cities organize a bonfire and professional firework which is being displayed in a park.
Many people organize a party for Guy Fawkes Night and Halloween. These parties have several similiarities such as a bonfire and dressing up in party costumes.
Popular foods include  toffee apples, bonfire toffee and potatoes baked on the fire. This day children use their guys to make money. They stand in the street and shout ''Penny for the guy''. Then they spend the money on fireworks.