Celebrating with fireworks on Guy Fawkes
PARKVIEW - "REMEMBER, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder and treason plot," goes an old English folk rhyme.
Guy Fawkes night is celebrated annually on 5 November, and is traditionally marked by fireworks and bonfires.
The event has its historical roots in 1605, when Guy Fawkes, the leader of a group of English Catholics, attempted to assassinate the protestant King James I by placing barrels of gun powder under the Houses of Parliament.
After the plan was foiled, 5 November was originally commemorated as the failure of the Gunpowder Treason Plot, with members of the public burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. In modern times, this day has been assimilated internationally, and is more commonly celebrated with the setting off of fireworks.
Guy Fawkes, the historical figure, has had his representation in popular culture shift from being a traitor guilty of treason, to a character associated with resistance. His iconic face mask is often worn by protesters at demonstrations worldwide.
The City of Johannesburg has special bylaws in place for the setting off of fireworks.
“Fireworks are allowed for religious and cultural festivals,” said Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck.
“Guy Fawkes night falls under that category.”
The bylaws allow for the setting off of fire works on Guy Fawkes night between 7pm and 10pm, but note that fireworks may not be set off within 500m of any explosives factory/depot or petrol station.
Fireworks are also not allowed in public spaces or schools, unless special applications for permission are submitted.
Though the bylaws also make mention that fireworks may not be ignited where animals are present, they do not provide further details on the parameters of this clause.
In response to a resident’s concern on the well being of Zoo animals, councillor Truluck said “There are no specific laws preventing fireworks being set off near the zoo.”
Francois le Grange, associate vet at Johannesburg Zoo, said that staff will be on duty overnight to monitor the animals.
The only recent incident he knew of was a waterbuck that needed to be calmed down by tranquillizers after Diwali celebrations.
“In general it’s not a good thing to have fireworks around the zoo, but there are night rooms for the animals to go into,” he said.
