Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, is observed annually on November 5th primarily in Great Britain. It commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I to restore Catholic rule. The plot was foiled when Fawkes was discovered guarding explosives beneath the House of Lords. The day has been celebrated since 1606 with bonfires, effigies of Guy Fawkes burned on them, and fireworks displays to mark the survival of the king and the parliament.
Historically, the day was a Protestant celebration of the king’s survival, but over time, Guy Fawkes’ image has shifted to symbolize protest and resistance to injustice, amplified by cultural works like the graphic novel and film "V for Vendetta" and its adoption by modern protest groups.
In summary, Guy Fawkes Day is a public commemoration on November 5th celebrating the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot through bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies.