Bonfire Night: Who the hell is Guy Fawkes? (British quirks 21/30)

One of the joys of living in the UK is discovering traditions that make absolutely no sense to outsiders but are treated as completely normal here. Bonfire Night is exhibit A.

Happy Guy Fawkes?!

Every November, Brits gather to celebrate the fact that a man named Guy Fawkes failed to blow up Parliament in 1605. How do they mark this historic non-event? By burning his effigy on a massive bonfire while eating toffee apples and cheering. Yes, really.

As an American, I’m used to fireworks on the Fourth of July, but at least we’re celebrating independence—not the failure of a plot. Over here it’s more like: “Yay, he didn’t manage to do it! Let’s set something on fire anyway.” Very, VERY British BTW!

If you want the full experience, head to Lewes in East Sussex. It’s part parade, part costume party, part flaming-chaos. Thousands of people in robes carry torches and burning crosses through the streets. Effigies of politicians get wheeled out and set ablaze, too. It’s history, satire, and pyromania all rolled into one.

Honestly? It’s bizarre. But it’s also brilliant. Only in Britain could you find families huddled together, sipping hot cider, and clapping while a straw man goes up in flames. And that’s exactly why I love living here—it keeps me endlessly entertained.