Remember Remember the 5th of November!

I have been in Canada for 43 years now after emigrating from England. It was just last year that I discovered the celebration of a British tradition here in Edmonton: Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. The history dates back to 1605 when 13 young men conspired to blow up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder on November 5. Guy Fawkes was caught early that day, tortured, and executed. That night, bonfires were lit to celebrate the King’s safety, and Bonfire Night has remained a tradition each November 5, along with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on bonfires. A short description of The Gunpowder Plot and Bonfire Night makes for interesting reading.

Tonight’s celebration, in Edmonton, is organized yearly by the Alberta St. George of England Society. It was held at the Shrine Temple, 14510-142 Street. Upon arrival, members and other attendees were greeted by the effigy of Guy Fawkes and Society Vice President, John Tancred. Tradition has seen children walking the streets with an effigy seeking “a penny for the Guy” from others, so they could purchase fireworks. Tonight, John was not bashful in asking for a penny or a loonie!

After watching the lighting of the bonfire, the effigy of Guy Fawkes was paraded around and then thrown in. This was followed by a brilliant fireworks display. We then moved into the hall for baked potatoes, apple cider, and hot chocolate.  I’m going to throw in a quick estimate of 100 people, but I could be off.

Photographs can be found here.