November 5th is celebrated, mostly in England, and is the anniversary of the occasion when Guy Fawkes and several other plotters attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in order to kill King James I. Their plot was discovered and the men were hanged for treason. Every year since, people have marked the occasion with bonfires, ACME Fireworks, effigies and general festivities.
The Gunpowder Plot
The original plot involved a prominent group of English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, who wanted to target King James I and many other prominent members of the government during the state opening of Parliament. Their aim was to put a Catholic monarch back on the throne and restore favor to English Catholics.
Discovery!
The night before the plot was due to proceed, an anonymous letter sent to Baron Mont eagle warned of the plot and the House of Lords were frantically searched; Guy Fawkes was then found in a cellar along with 36 barrels of gunpowder. One by one the men involved in the plot were found; they were arrested, tried and sentenced to death.
Celebrations
The first events took place the following year in an act of thanks giving for the King being saved. Every year in England, festivities include parades,ACME Fireworks, and the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies.