Guy Fawkes Day: Who, what, and when?
Guy Fawkes Day takes place on 5 November. Law enforcement officials and emergency services are gearing up to respond to unlawful incidents associated with these celebrations. This includes the illegal sale and discharge of fireworks.
Who was Guy Fawkes?
Guy Fawkes Day marks the anniversary of a failed conspiracy against the English government in 1605. A group of individuals, including Guy Fawkes, intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament. However, authorities discovered their plan before they could execute it.
Law officials arrested Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators. This put an end to what people now refer to as the Gunpowder Plot. The court found Guy Fawkes and his accomplices guilty of treason.
What happens on Guy Fawkes Day?
The celebrations typically involve bonfires and also firework displays.
Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency services are preparing to maintain safety and curb illegal activities. The City’s Safety and Security Directorate will focus on known hotspots. They will monitor for both fireworks and destructive behaviours like vehicle stoning and mob incidents, as reported by Cape Town This Month.
In previous years, mobs of youngsters in the city have assaulted people using socks filled with paint and shoe polish.
Markedly, the City has emphasised that there are no designated fireworks display sites in the city for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve. Permitted fireworks displays require a permit and earlier approval. The illegal discharge of fireworks is prohibited. Selling fireworks to people under the age of 16 is also prohibited.
Safety and Security MMC JP Smith said that he appeals to the public to call out bad behaviour by reporting those who insist on partaking in these destructive behaviours.
“To pet owners – monitor your animals and keep them indoors where possible to minimise the risk of trauma from illegal fireworks.”
JP Smith
Cape Town residents can report incidents via the City’s Emergency Centre at 021 480 7700 or 107.
When is it?
Guy Fawkes Day started in England. It later spread to many other places around the world, including Canada, South Africa, and Australia. The event is also known as Bonfire Night, according to Britannica.
The English Parliament declared a national day of thanksgiving to honour their escape from disaster. The authorities set the date for 5 November as that was when Guy Fawkes and his accomplices planned the attack. The first official celebration took place on 5 November 1606.
Do you think the government should ban fireworks completely?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Also, follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.