Halloween events and Firework Displays in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay

Information about 2013 Halloween events and Firework displays will be published here nearer the time. Remember to check back to find out about the events taking place in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay. Did you know?

The 400 year old tradition of bonfire night takes place every year on 5th November, the evening of the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and twelve other men to blow up the Houses of Parliament. On the night that this elaborate plot failed, bonfires were lit across the city to celebrate the King's safety and since then this traditional evening often includes the burning of a 'guy' and fireworks display.

Halowe'en is an annual celebration held on 31st October each year. Its Celtic origins link this evening to the Celtic Festival Samhain, an old Irish name loosely translated as "summer's end". It marked the end of the "growing season" and was also a time that allowed ghosts and ghouls to venture back down to Earth and move among the living.

Lighting a lantern (now traditionally done with a pumpkin) and placed it outside your home is a way of inviting and keeping on the friendly side of spirits. The word Hallowe'en comes from All Hallow's Eve, meaning the day before All Saints Day.