Remember, remember the fifth of November

November 03, 2009

November 5 marks Guy Fawkes Day, the celebration of the radical British activist who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, a plan to destroy the British parliament building in 1605. When the plot was uncovered by the British government, Fawkes was executed.

Traditionally, the unofficial holiday is celebrated in England with bonfires, fireworks and candy. Get in on the action and host a Guy Fawkes party to beat the post-Halloween blues.

If you live in a warm climate, invite friends over for a bonfire, make s'mores and hand out a few sparklers (in lieu of fireworks.) Glow sticks might be a safer option for kids.

If the outside weather is a little too chilly for a party, have a Guy Fawkes costume party inside. Many costume stores have Guy Fawkes masks available, and guests can google image search for some period costume ideas.

To top the evening off, watch V for Vendetta, a movie based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore. The film stars Natalie Portman as Evey Hammond and Hugo Weaving as V, a masked man who wears a Guy Fawkes mask and is inspired by the political anti-hero's radical message.