In
Great Britain, Bonfire Night is associated with the tradition of celebrating the failure of Guy Fawkes' actions on 5 November 1605.
[2] The British festival is, therefore, on 5 November, although some commercially driven events are held at a weekend near to the correct date, to maximise attendance. Bonfire night's
sectarian significance has generally been lost: it is now usually just a night of revelry with a bonfire and fireworks, although an effigy of Guy Fawkes is burned on the fire. Celebrations are held throughout Great Britain; in some non-Catholic communities in Northern Ireland;
[3] and in some other parts of the Commonwealth. In
London, celebrations also feature funfairs, family entertainment, and special food and drinks.
[4] In the Canadian province of
Newfoundland and Labrador, 5 November is commemorated with bonfires and firework displays,
[5] and it is officially celebrated in
South Africa.
[6]
In Northern Ireland, the term "Bonfire Night" can refer to the Eleventh Night celebrations of 11 July. Like 5 November, this Bonfire Night also has its roots in the sectarian struggle between Protestants and Catholics. Unlike 5 November the sectarian significance of 11 July is still strong. It celebrates the
Battle of the Boyne of 1690, in which the
Protestant William of Orange defeated the
Catholic James II.
[7]
In the city of Cork
[8] and many rural parts of the Republic of Ireland "Bonfire Night" refers to 23 June,
St John's Eve night. It has its origins in a religious celebration and originally featured prayers for bountiful crops. The night is linked to the
summer solstice or
Midsummer's Eve. Originally fires were lit to honour the goddess
Áine as part of a Celtic celebration; the Catholic Church
took over the pagan festival and linked it to the birth of
St John.
[9][10] In the city of Limerick, "Bonfire Night" is held on May Eve, the 30th of April, on the eve of the Celtic festival of
Bealtaine.
[11]
(Source: Wikipedia)