Think You Know Everything About Britain's Bonfire Night?

“Remember, Remember, the 5th of November.”

This British schoolyard saying may have become world famous in the film V for Vendetta, but the holiday behind it still remains a bit of a mystery to many around the globe.

Bonfire Night—or Guy Fawkes Night, if you prefer the formal name—is a pretty big deal in Britain.

While some citizens have complained that Halloween is stealing a little of its thunder, the night sky will still fill with bonfires and fireworks this November 5th.

Here’s all you need to know to make the best of Bonfire Night if you happened to be in Britain during this fiery bit of autumnal fun.

Bonfire Background

It all started with a guy who wanted to blow up the British Parliament.

Well, a bunch of guys to be exact.

You see, these gentlemen were Catholic, and they really wanted to see Protestant England go back to being a Catholic country. Naturally, they thought the best way to go about this was to, well, kill King James and install his daughter as queen.

They also figured they would take out all of parliament for good measure.

The crew chose November 5th for their dastardly act since the king would be present for the official opening of parliament. They proceeded to plant barrels upon barrels of gunpowder in the basement.

Word of the plans leaked ,and when the authorities arrived the conspirator that was caught at the scene was Guy Fawkes, forever becoming the face of the plot. He and his friends were subsequently sent to the Tower of London before being tortured in a wide array of gruesome ways.

The King sent the word out that his survival should be celebrated with bonfires, and from that night on the tradition has lived on. Often, the fires were topped with effigies of Guy Fawkes or even the Pope.

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Bonfire Night in Britain Today

Most cities will organize their own “official” bonfires, and these gatherings can take on a carnival-like atmosphere with rides and other attractions for the entire family. You will find these Bonfire Night get-togethers in public parks, soccer fields and schoolyards, with the mood definitely being on the merry and family-friendly side.

In the lead-up to Bonfire Night, firework shops start popping up all over the place, and their pyrotechnics are the main attraction at garden parties up and down the country.

While metropolises like London, Birmingham and Glasgow have plenty of festivities to choose from, there is one place that is the hands-down king of Bonfire Night celebrations: Lewes.

Located an hour south of London, Lewes (pronounced Lewis) is normally a laid-back market town. Not on November 5th, as it turns into a cauldron full of revelers marching up-and-down the streets wielding burning barrels full of tar and torches. (Just like they did in the old days, apparently.)

Local “bonfire societies” put the event on, which also commemorates 17 local Protestant martyrs. Expect lots of adult beverages and partying alongside the parades.

What to Eat and Drink on Bonfire Night

Most prominently is a treacle-laced spiced cake called Parkin. Parkin originates in Northern England, with both Lancashire and Yorkshire claiming recipe superiority. It is enjoyed all over the country, with people either picking them up from the local bakery or baking an old family recipe at home.

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Toffee apples are also a traditional Bonfire Night treat, and don’t be surprised if you spot someone baking a potato in the heat of the bonfire.

As far as drinks are concerned, a pint of local ale will pair perfectly with the flames and the parkin.