On what date is Guy Fawkes Night celebrated?

Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on 5 November. The date commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, when Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding explosives beneath the House of Lords in Westminster.

The Catholic plotters intended to kill the Protestant King James I and members of Parliament by blowing up the State Opening of Parliament. After news of the king’s survival spread, Londoners lit celebratory bonfires on 5 November.

Parliament later passed the Observance of 5th November Act 1605, creating an annual day of thanksgiving. Over time, the event became known as Guy Fawkes Night, Guy Fawkes Day and Bonfire Night. Modern celebrations commonly feature bonfires, fireworks and effigies.

A common mix-up is confusing the date with Halloween on 31 October or with the date of the plotters’ execution in January 1606. The observance is tied specifically to the failed attack discovered on 5 November.