Edinburgh Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Edinburgh poster

Every year in Edinburgh, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Edinburgh we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Edinburgh?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also blow up the parliament in the UK.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

A conspiracy member was cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody once they learned of the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition to light bonfires.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Edinburgh.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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 was more similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on Bonfire Night

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go there.

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great foods.

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has 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 many years to come.

Edinburgh Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Edinburgh Waverley, South Ramp, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, EH1 1BE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Edinburgh Bonfire Night