Guy Fawkes in South Africa: Why is it celebrated and when is it?

Guy Fawkes is marked every year on 5 November, when fireworks are traditionally set off.

But the celebration has its origins thousands of kilometres away, in a failed plot to blow up the British Parliament more than 400 years ago.

In South Africa, the tradition has largely become associated with fireworks, although very few know the historical story behind the date.

When is Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes Day takes place annually on 5 November. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, 5 November.

It is also known as Bonfire Night or Firework Night, particularly in the United Kingdom, where the tradition began.

What is the history behind Guy Fawkes?

The story dates back to 1605, when a group of English Catholic conspirators planned to assassinate Protestant King James I and blow up the Houses of Parliament in London.

At the time, Catholics faced religious restrictions and persecution under the Protestant monarchy. The conspirators hoped that killing the king and members of Parliament would trigger an uprising and help restore Catholic rule.

One of the men involved was Guy Fawkes, a soldier who was tasked with guarding the explosives beneath the House of Lords.

The plan became known as the Gunpowder Plot.

However, the conspiracy was uncovered before it could be carried out. On the night of 4 November 1605, authorities searched the cellars beneath Parliament and found Fawkes guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder.

He was arrested, later tried for treason and executed in January 1606.

Why do people set off fireworks?

After the plot was discovered, Parliament declared 5 November a day of thanksgiving to mark the king’s survival.

The following year, people began commemorating the failed plot with bonfires. Fireworks later became part of the tradition, while effigies of Guy Fawkes were sometimes burned.

Over the centuries, the religious and political meaning of the occasion faded in many communities, leaving a night associated with bonfires and fireworks.

Why is Guy Fawkes celebrated in South Africa?

The tradition was carried to South Africa through its historical links with Britain and the British colonial period.

Although it is not a uniquely South African celebration, the custom of setting off fireworks on 5 November has endured in large parts of the country.

Today, many people associate Guy Fawkes with fireworks rather than the original Gunpowder Plot. The tradition has also attracted criticism because of the noise and distress fireworks can cause to pets, wildlife and vulnerable people.

Importantly, Guy Fawkes is not a South African public holiday.

Are fireworks allowed in South Africa?

Fireworks are regulated by municipal by-laws, and the rules differ between municipalities. Residents should not assume that they can set off fireworks wherever or whenever they choose.

For example, the City of Cape Town has previously reminded residents that fireworks displays require permits and that there are no designated fireworks sites under its current arrangements.

The safest approach is to check the latest rules with your local municipality before buying or setting off fireworks.

But if in doubt, rather don’t. Think of your pets – and those within earshot.