Bonfire Night In Mallorca
Whilst we all love a good firework party and a bonfire, when we think about how the British bonfire night evolved this is a slightly strange thing to celebrate.
In 1605, a group of disgruntled protestors of the government formed a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and the notorious Guy Fawkes snook into the basement with 36 barrels of gunpowder. Unfortunately for him there was a tip off as some of the loyalists were concerned for the Kings safety meaning Mr Fawkes was caught, tortured then executed.
The tradition of the bonfires began immediately as people lit fires all over London to give thanks for the safety of the King and this was soon followed by people placing effigies of Guy Fawkes on top of the burning fires and soon after the custom for fireworks to represent the gunpowder was formed.
Many children will make a dummy of Guy Fawkes and take to the streets in the days before shouting “penny for the guy” and traditionally this was a way of raising money for fireworks.
Many people find the concept of burning an effigy on a fire slightly bizarre but personally I think it’s a fun evening and love the smell of the fireworks and all of the “oohs and aaaahs” as the fireworks light up the sky!
This year, there will be a 5th November party held at the car park opposite Rotunda 8 in Magaluf with a whole host of attractions to keep us amused so get down there and enjoy the spectacle plus a glass or 2 of mulled wine!
By Mary Willoughby
October 2016
