Robertstown Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Robertstown, 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 Robertstown's bonfire night?
The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.
What does it mean to people and why do they love these celebrations so much?
Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.
In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.
There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.
Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.
Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.
The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.
A member of the conspiracy got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.
The conspirators were taken into custody when they learned about the plan.
The Parliament made a 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 up bonfires.
We went to the Bonfire Night after that.
In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.
Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.
The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.
The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.
Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night
People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on 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 large bonfire.
Bonfire Night attractions
There are lots of 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, although smaller events also take place.
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 also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.
These are some traditions that are common:
- The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
- It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
- "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
- The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
- During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
Which foods are popular during celebrations?
The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.
There are lots of foods associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.
Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.
Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.
What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?
People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night
This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.
The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothing.
A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.
You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.
In the end
Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.
It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing foods.
Over the years, it has been one of those things that have impressed people.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into 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.
Robertstown Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Robertstown, Aberdare West, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cymru / Wales, CF44 8EJ, United Kingdom
Organiser: Robertstown Bonfire Night
