Kiwiana: GUY FAWKES DAY

Did you know? November 5th marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605, the day set for the king to open Parliament.

The anniversary was named after Guy Fawkes, the most famous of the conspirators. New Zealanders celebrate the annual festival in the same way as the English do, with bonfires and fireworks lit on the official November 5 night (the only difference being that it’s a lot warmer in New Zealand at this time of year!).

For kiwis, Guy Fawkes has become an occasion signalling the coming of summer and a chance for family and friends to get together and take in the excitement of spectacular fireworks.