Every year on the 5 November, Great Britain celebrates Guy Fawkes’ Day. The day commemorates the failed attempt by the Catholic Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up Parliament and assassinate the Protestant King James I (who I might add, had issued very violent measures against Catholics who refused to convert, so some might say, he had it coming). Fawkes, who unfortunately was posted to guard the 36 barrels of gunpowder that were to be used in the explosion, was caught, tried, and executed, so now, every year the occasion is marked by fireworks and large bonfires - which in the past have also been used to burn stick figure effigies of Guy - throughout the UK.
This year, since the day fell on a Friday, fireworks and bonfires were everywhere – and heard everywhere - all weekend long. Aberdeen celebrated Bonfire Night with a fireworks display and bonfire on the beach. The nearby town of Banchory had its bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday night, and I was invited by my Principal Teacher to attend the event with his family.
The fireworks were as spectacular as any Fourth celebration with the only major difference being the abundance of scarves, wooly hats, and warm cups of coffee.
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