Dowlais Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Dowlais, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Merthyr Tydfil we gather around the bonfire.
What should you know about Dowlais's bonfire night?
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.
Why do people love these things so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.
What is the Bonfire Night associated with?
It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.
This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.
At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.
There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.
The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.
The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.
A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but was cold feet.
The other conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.
The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.
The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.
Which led to the Bonfire Night.
There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.
The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.
The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.
The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.
Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night
People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.
This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.
Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.
There are attractions during the night.
There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.
In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.
A lot of people think that Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.
You will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.
Some traditions are common:
- The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
- It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
- "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
- There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
- Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?
The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.
There are many foods associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.
These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.
It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.
What should you wear?
People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.
In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.
The Bonfire Night is a great chance for people to show off their winter clothes.
Something to keep in mind is the fact that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here.
A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.
Conclusion
Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event over the years.
It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.
The event has impressed people over the years.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.
The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time to come.
Dowlais Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom
Organiser: Dowlais Bonfire Night
