Penygraig Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Penygraig's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a statement and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful for it.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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 because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are 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.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes at Bonfire Night.

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't need to dress up in a costume.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and 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, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to 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 event, where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Common traditions are here:

• The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
• The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Penygraig Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Penygraig, Pen-y-graig, Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cymru / Wales, CF40 1QN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Penygraig Bonfire Night