Every year on the fifth of November the people of England celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. The celebration derives from the historic day in England in 1605 in which 13 English Catholics attempted to blow up the House of Lords in an effort to kill King James I and members of Parliament who were intolerant of the Catholic religion. Guy Fawkes was the participant who was caught in the cellar of the House of Lords with 36 barrels of gunpowder. Celebration of the King’s survival rang throughout the country with bonfires. Every year on November 5th England celebrates this holiday with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.
To take part in the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day I went to Battersea Park in London. As I walked into the park I saw one of the largest masses of people gathered around the biggest bonfire I have yet to see in my life. This theatrical experience was most enjoyable when I watched the way in which people embraced one another and rejoiced in the excitement of the show that they were not only viewing but were apart of. Various people were drinking and dancing in the less crowded areas. They looked so happy to embrace the English history that they created their own part in the performance of Guy Fawkes Day.
Little boys and girls watched with amazement as the flames grew higher and the anticipation built up for the fireworks to begin. Many were holding light up toys, wearing hats that lit up, or playing with sparklers in preparation for the fireworks. The excitement in their eyes and the happiness on their face as their parents lifted them up on their shoulders so they could have a better view of the bonfire and be ready to see the fireworks show reminded me of my various childhood experiences created from the viewing of theatrical performances and celebrations.
The fireworks began somewhat suddenly with a loud pop that shot straight up and burst throughout the night sky. The crowd began to scream and clap and the outskirts of people relaxing in the back of the park on the grass began to run as fast as possible to the center for the best possible view. The beauty of the various colors that lit up the sky created a memorable experience. Gorgeous blues, greens, reds, and silver shot up one by one for 15 minutes. The crowd was smiling and turning their heads in every direction as the fireworks shot off across the night sky. As the show came to an end they let off multiple fireworks for the big finale. Small fireworks lit up the bottom of the park while sparklers burst midway throughout the sky and then single fireworks shot up to the top in a synchronized form with equal distance apart to explode at the top and burst into multiple colors. It was one of the most beautiful firework displays I have ever seen. Judging by the various hoots and hollers from the rest of the crowd it was enjoyed throughout the park and I will definitely remember this as one the best theatrical experiences I have ever been lucky enough witness.
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