England Adventures: "Lewes Bonfire"

Most visitors to England would probably never hear about Lewes. Lewes is a small town south of London with a traditional design and by walking along the sidewalk you can feel the rich history. The big event the town is known for is its bonfire and fireworks. Once a year locals dress in costumes and march along the street toward one of several spots for bonfire with burning torches.

If you have a taste for culture, a sense of adventure and the heart to deal with loud really loud fireworks then the Lewes Bonfire is a place to visit. I was told that it is an event you should experience if only once. So I decided to give it a try.

After waiting an hour to board the train I took the 5 minute ride from the university to Lewes. When I got there some of the parading had already begun so I pushed my way through the crowd to find a good spot to watch the activities. IFortunately I found a spot on the sidewalk in front of the home of a local family.

The atmosphere was really festive at this house. People were going in and out of the house with cheese, finger food and wine. The kids played on the sidewalk and the elderly watched through the living room window. The family was so kind they offered their goodies to the spectators who stood in the front of their house to watch the parade. Instead of eating I took the opportunity to talk to the kind lady and elderly gentleman. They both informed me of the rich culture behind the parade. He had been attending the celebration for fifty years and hasn’t missed one yet.

Apparently this parade has been going on for hundreds of years. The costumes that were used in the parade had to be handed down from the previous generation or handmade. If you love history you would have enjoyed the display of culture. Persons in the parade marched proudly dressed up in king’s robes, queen’s attire, servant’s uniforms, peasant’s rags and soldier’s uniforms. I saw Indians decked with feathers and I even saw Shrek and Fiona but I didn’t see donkey.

The major cities in most countries have lost its true cultural identity but nestled in little towns much of what was remains. If plan to visit England and you want true taste of its culture visit a small town. The big cities will only rob you of a true cultural experience.

Much of what true Christianity about is found in the heart of those who, despite the complexity around them, have maintained the traditional values of the faith. That is to love God with all that is within you and to love your neighbours as you would love yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). A similar version of this is what I witnessed at the parade. In the faces of those that marched on the parade I saw a love for their tradition. The participants were confident in their history and comfortable in their costumes. In the family that came out and shared what they had I saw a respect and apreciation for neighbour. I don't live next door to those people. I can't even tell you their names, but the kindness they showed sure make me fell like I live next door.