Today we celebrate Guy Fawkes Day (or Guy Fawkes Night) with
explosive displays of fireworks and a light the sky with an array of colours! Are
you going to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day in Cape Town this year? Make sure you
stay on the right side of the law and only discharge fireworks at the safe
sites.
First let’s take a look at the history of Guy Fawkes Day to
find out what its actually all about:
In 1605 a group of provincial English Catholics planned to assassinate the king, King James I of England and replace him with a Catholic head of state. But their plan was foiled when an anonymous letter was send to one of the lords telling of their plan, the guard of the conspirators gunpowder was caught just after midnight on the 5th November in the cellar of the House of Parliament, his name was Guy Fawkes.
In 1605 a group of provincial English Catholics planned to assassinate the king, King James I of England and replace him with a Catholic head of state. But their plan was foiled when an anonymous letter was send to one of the lords telling of their plan, the guard of the conspirators gunpowder was caught just after midnight on the 5th November in the cellar of the House of Parliament, his name was Guy Fawkes.
So originally November 5th was known as Gunpowder
Treason Day and was meant to celebrate the king’s survival, later though, it
became a custom to burn a model or sculpture of Guy Fawkes, that’s why it has
now become Guy Fawkes Day.
The holiday has definitely lost its connection to religion
and politics, but in some countries, like our own South Africa, we still
celebrate Guy Fawkes Day with fireworks and bonfires.
If you don’t know this now, you should make a note that it
is ILLEGAL in South Africa to discharge fireworks in backyards (for obvious
safety reasons), but the City of Cape Town officials have made certain parks
and public areas safe locations to let off sparklers and crackers.
Make sure you only watch and discharge fireworks at these
safe sites in Cape Town (between 6pm and midnight only!):Tableview: Beachfront, opposite the tourism building
Athlone: Athlone stadium parking area (eastern side), Klipfontein Road
Atlantis: Wesfleur Sports field, Reygersdal Drive
Camps Bay: Maidens cove parking area, Victoria Road
Macassar: Macassar beach parking area, Macassar Road
Bishop Lavis: Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive
Mitchells Plain: Swartklip sports complex, corner of Spine and Swartklip road
Strandfontein: Strandfontein Pavilion
Remember:
- Never handle fireworks if you have been drinking, no matter how fun it may seem
- Never try illegal explosives or try make your own fireworks
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Always remember that fireworks scare animals, so make sure to keep your pets safely indoors
- Never handle fireworks if you have been drinking, no matter how fun it may seem
- Never try illegal explosives or try make your own fireworks
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Always remember that fireworks scare animals, so make sure to keep your pets safely indoors
Do you plan on celebrating Guy Fawkes Day with your family in Cape Town this year? The beautiful Mother City can provide you with the reliable Airport Shuttle service to transport you to and from Cape town International Airport, not to mention you can stay at the comfy, affordable, self-catering apartment 808 Cartwright and enjoy the amazing views of the city.
Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town
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