Today, on November 5th, fireworks and bonfires will be lit all over the UK. If you live in Scotland or England, you're most likely to hear the disruptive bang pop and whizzes of fireworks, but it may be a lot quieter if you live or are visiting Ireland. While Ireland is world-famous for its massive bonfire displays, many get confused about the Irish's stance on celebrating fireworks night. We're here to explain why Guy Fawkes night is marked by the British, the perspective of Ireland on it and why the Irish love to light bonfires so much.
What is Guy Fawkes Night?
Guy Fawkes Night is annually celebrated around the UK on November 5th. November 5th, 1605, marks the day Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives placed beneath the House of Lords in a ploy to blow up parliament. Celebrating the King and Government survived the attempt, people lit bonfires around London. Later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.
Today, people focus less on the historical importance of November 5th and use the day to light fireworks and bonfires with loved ones. Significant organised events are often planned around the UK to safely put on firework displays, and the night is still considered an eventful part of the year in British culture.
Do the Irish Celebrate Bonfire Night?
Because this plot to plant explosives only affected the Scottish and English Government, the Irish rarely celebrate on November 5th. At the time, Ireland was involved in their own political rebellions and was not a significant event within their culture. Although some British immigrated to Ireland and brought over the festivities, the celebration was only really picked up amongst Protestant Irish. Even then, it died out quite quickly.
Even Northern Ireland, which is classified as part of the United Kingdom, rarely celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Ireland is known to have strong cultural links to Halloween, and most people are still recovering from the mass celebrations put on for the spooky season. If you want to learn more about Ireland's Halloween festivities, click here.
Why Do the Irish Light Bonfires?
Although the Irish don't partake in Fireworks Night, bonfires are hugely popular over Ireland and are often lit in abundance. The Irish have two annual bonfire nights, June 12th, to mark the Battle of the Boyne and July 23rd on St.Johns.
In recent years, bonfires have also been assembled and lit on Halloween. Most of these bonfires tend to be a health and safety hazard, so local councils strive to prevent them from being burned. This makes them a topic of controversy due to celebrations being disrupted by the arrival of the fire brigade and frequently the focus of unsocial behaviour.
