ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sussex Bonfire Societies

Alright, kiddo, have you ever heard of bonfires? You know, big fires that people make outside? In Sussex, which is a place in England, they have a tradition where they make really big bonfires every year around the beginning of November.

But these are not just any bonfires! They are made by special groups of people called bonfire societies. These societies are like clubs where people who live in the same area come together and work on making the best bonfire possible.

They spend a long time planning and building the bonfire. They collect lots of wood and piles of old stuff like broken furniture and branches. They even decorate the bonfire with pretty lights and colorful banners.

On the night of the bonfire, the society members all dress up in even more decorations and costumes. They wear masks and sometimes even paint their faces.

Then they light the bonfire and have a big party with lots of food, music, and dancing. They shoot off fireworks and light torches while marching through the streets. It's a big celebration called a bonfire night.

These bonfire societies have been around for a really long time, over 150 years! They started as a way for people to celebrate together and show off their skills at making the best bonfire. It's become a really fun and exciting tradition for people in Sussex, and they look forward to it every year!!