Sunday, November 5, 2006

November 5, is Guy Fawkes Night. On this day, 401 years ago there was an attempt to blow up the British parliament.

Since that time, Guy Fawkes day is celebrated by bonfires, fireworks and the parading of effigies called “guys”.

The event is not only celebrated in the United Kingdom, but other Commonwealth countries including New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland, Bahamas, Saint Kitts and formerly Australia.

Britons celebrate a national day of thanksgiving that the Gunpowder plot did not destroy their king and parliament. But as tradition goes, the oppression that Roman Catholics felt was always de-emphasised.

This year sees rising opposition to the traditional fireworks and bonfires celebrations. A smog warning has been issued for London on the 5th and British Labour MP Barry Sheerman called for the event to be scrapped.