“Remember, Remember the Fifth of November”

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November”

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It was cold that night and the ocean breeze blew in consistent waves over the thousands that had gathered to watch the spectacle in Colchester Castle Park. There was an aura of excitement as people stood waiting, waiting, as the loudspeaker spouted out pop hits I have never heard but which caused whole families to sing along. I was definitely an outsider, seemingly the only American in Colchester, Essex. I found myself on this cold night observing a celebration which in itself was curious to me not only because of what I was witnessing but also because of its historical background: this was Bonfire Night.

On the Fifth of November 1605, a plot by Guy Fawkes and other anti-Jacobean individuals to use explosives under the House of Lords (thereby unraveling the English government) was overthrown. It is this night that I was witnessing; a night that I knew would include a bonfire fueled by the effigy of Guy Fawkes, immediately followed by a slue of fireworks.

While prior to arriving at the site of the event I felt concerned over the dubious practices that constitute this holiday (they burn a man’s effigy!) I will honestly admit that it is hard to not enjoy myself when placed in such a festive environment. Walking through the hills of the park, moving through the crowds of people, in an environment completely different from London, I could not help but smile.

I allowed the tourist in me to take over! I wanted pictures of everything and everyone. Holding the camera in my hands I began to flash away and had to be told by my partner that I would embarrass him if I continued to pursue my desires. As the festivities were held in Castle Park, where the Castle of Colchester is located, all those managing the event were expected to garnish attire in accordance to the event.  I managed to snag a few photos before I moved on into the larger crowd. Although not before stopping by the food section, which oddly enough had exactly the same foods you would find at an American Fourth of July festival (Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chips aka Fries); I settled for a hotdog while we waited for the ceremony.

Suddenly all eyes were looking uphill towards the castle. From the distance I could see figures carrying what looked to be a person. I waited until my eyes could catch what was approaching me. It was the effigy of Guy Fawkes being carried by four men, followed by a parade of similarly dressed individuals. The crowd was buzzing with excitement. I took this opportunity to sneak in some photos of the effigy. We all watched as the parade made its way down a path, downhill to the stack of sticks ready to burn the effigy. Soon enough the crowd was asked to give a giant wave before the figure was thrown upon the sticks and set on fire. The orange flames rose high, the only light to be seen during this quick moment of darkness. 

The announcer then turned to the crowd asking for a big cheer. He subsequently stated that the firework show would begin as soon as the flames died out, but to get into the this years' theme of “outer space” the audience had to turn on all of their glow sticks and cell phones and give a big “Mexican wave” (Can someone please tell me what this is because I definitely don’t wave like that…) The speakers began to play records, first starting with lines from War of the Worlds and followed by music from artists like David Bowie, Queen, Muse, anything that sounded “spacey.” The firework show that accompanied the soundtrack was amazing. Lights after lights, color and more colors, I truly felt a part of this event, a part of this community, I was excited, my blood was rushing! And most importantly I was in good company, making this experience a performance piece that I will remember the rest of my life.

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