English language culture Team 3

English language culture Team 3

In the following exhibition, we will explore the various traditional festivals in the United Kingdom. We hope you enjoy the exhibition.

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Easter and Trooping the Colour

Bonfire Night and Christmas

In this section we will investigate about Easter and Trooping the Colour.

In this section you will find all the information about these two traditional festivals.

see

see

1. Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)

Why is it celebrated with bonfires and fireworks? After the conspiracy was uncovered, people lit bonfires to celebrate the king's survival. Over time, it became a tradition to burn a Guy Fawkes figure (a "guy") at the stake. The fireworks represent the explosions that never happened. How is it celebrated today? Bonfires, Fireworks, Rag dolls (representing Guy Fawkes) are burned, Hot potatoes, toffee apples, and parkin cake (a traditional cake from the north of England) are sold.

Bonfire Night

What is celebrated? Bonfire Night commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster). Their goal was to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. It is celebrated mainly in the United Kingdom every November 5th, but some former British colonies also do so.

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1. Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)

Guy Fawkes Night

In the following video we can see a bit of the hours before the aforementioned celebration, which took an exhaustive preparation so that no detail was missed. On the other hand, we appreciate a bit of an icon of the United Kingdom, which is the large building shown.

2. The christmas

Christmas

Christmas Eve is not as intensely celebrated as in other countries, although some families gather to exchange gifts and attend religious services. Children leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus, known in the UK as Father Christmas, along with carrots for his reindeer. Christmas Day is the central moment of the celebration. Families gather to enjoy a special meal that usually includes roast turkey with side dishes like Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and "pigs in blankets," which are sausages wrapped in bacon. The traditional dessert is Christmas pudding, a dense fruit pudding that is flambéed with brandy before being served.

British Christmas is a celebration full of traditions that combines religious, family, and festive elements. The Christmas season begins in early December when streets and homes are decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees, a custom popularized in the 19th century by Prince Albert. British families also use Advent calendars to count the days until December 25th, and it is common to hear carols in the streets and at public events.

2. The christmas

December 26th is Boxing Day, a day of rest and sporting tradition when many people attend football matches or take advantage of sales in stores. Originally, it was the day when employers gave gifts to their workers.

The christmas

During the Christmas meal, it is customary to pull crackers, decorative cardboard tubes that make a "crack" sound when pulled apart and contain a paper crown, a small gift, and a joke.

The purpose of the speech is to reflect on the year that has passed, address topics of national and international interest, and share a message of hope and unity. It typically has a personal and warm tone, highlighting values such as family, community, and solidarity. This tradition has endured over the years as a moment of connection between the monarch and the people, symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy in changing times. Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, King Charles III has continued this tradition, maintaining the focus on reflection, unity, and family values.

1. Easter

Easter in England (Easter)

Easter in England is one of the most important Christian holidays of the year. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated on the third day after his crucifixion, according to the New Testament of the Bible. Although it has a religious origin, it currently combines Christian traditions with more modern and cultural customs. When is Easter celebrated in England? It does not have a fixed date, as it is based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after March 21 (spring equinox). Therefore, the date varies each year, but it always falls between March 22 and April 25. In England, the main celebrations extend during Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, which is an official holiday.

1. Easter

What does the celebration consist of?

• 1. Masses and religious services: They are held in churches on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• 2. Easter Eggs: Symbol of new life. They can be decorated or chocolate eggs that are given to children and family members.
• 3. Easter Egg Hunt: Popular activity where children search for chocolate eggs hidden in gardens or parks.
• 4. Easter Bunny: A mythical figure who brings eggs to children, similar to Santa Claus at Christmas.
• 5. Traditional food: Roast lamb, hot cross buns (sweet rolls with a cross) and chocolate desserts are usually eaten.

2. Trooping the Colour

What is Trooping the Colour?

• is a grand military parade that takes place every June to mark the official birthday of the British monarch. It is held at Horse Guards Parade, a historic parade ground in central London.
• The event includes a magnificent display of military precision, discipline, and pageantry, featuring hundreds of soldiers, horses, and musicians.
• The celebration concludes with the royal family appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they watch a Royal Air Force flypast.

2. Trooping the Colour

History and Tradition

The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when it was a military practice used to ensure that soldiers recognized their regimental colours (flags) in battle. Since 1748, it has been used to officially celebrate the monarch’s birthday, regardless of their actual birthdate. Today, the ceremony continues as a symbol of loyalty, heritage, and British military excellence.

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2. Trooping the Colour

Why Isn’t the Real Birthday Celebrated?

• Answer: The British weather is highly unpredictable, and holding an outdoor celebration in winter or autumn would be difficult.
• King George II started the tradition of an official birthday in June to ensure better weather for public festivities.
• Every British monarch since then has continued the tradition, regardless of their actual birthdate.

Questionnaire

references

• Trooping the colour. (s/f). Org.uk. Recuperado el 24 de marzo de 2025, de https://www.householddivision.org.uk/trooping-the-colour
• ¿Qué es el Trooping The Colour y de qué trata? (2017, junio 16). Be Británico. https://britanico.edu.pe/be-britanico/que-es-trooping-the-colour-de-que-trata/?utm.com
• (S/f). Rct.uk. Recuperado el 24 de marzo de 2025, de https://www.rct.uk/
• Pascua en Reino Unido. (2023, marzo 22). The Anglo Academy. https://theangloacademy.mx/blog/pascua-en-reino-unido/
• (S/f). Britishcouncil.org. Recuperado el 24 de marzo de 2025, de https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/study-break/magazine-zone/bonfire-night

Thank you very much for your attention

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Curious fact

The famous rhyme that is sung on this date is: "Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot! I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot."

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The Guards who participate in Trooping the Colour are part of the Household Division, the regiments responsible for protecting the British monarch. There are five Foot Guard regiments that take turns leading the parade each year: Grenadier Guards , Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, Welsh Guards, Each regiment has its own distinct arrangement of buttons, plumes, and badges.