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Theo Hobson | Fireworks for Liberty

Source: The Guardian

Nov 06, 2009

Summary

Why can't we have a day on which we feel mildly proud of our national tradition of liberty?

Over the last decade, astute commentators and politicians have pointed out that it might be a good idea to have some sort of Britishness day, on which to celebrate common values, to display modest pride in what unites us. Such a festival seems to foster patriotism in America, France and elsewhere. It also fosters historical awareness in the young.

Why can't we have a day on which we feel mildly proud of our national tradition of liberty? The richness of our history holds us back. The problem is that you can't just start such a festival from scratch, unless you're Robespierre. Is there some existing festival on which we could build?

The best candidate is "bonfire night", celebrated yesterday, 5 November, with many more parties and firework displays planned over the weekend. There is already a folk festival on this day, almost the only folk festival that we have, and it has its roots in a celebration of national liberty, though this has been largely forgotten. Why can't we

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