November 6: The village of Edenbridge in Kent, England is famous for its nocturnal bonfire effigies of famous people who have been voted by the village to be burned in the November 5 bonfire.
Bonfire Night in England is a celebration of Guy Fawkes’ foiled plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in England, and a ‘Guy’ is traditionally placed on top of the bonfire.
This year a 36ft effigy of FIFA president Gianni Infantino was created for Edenbridge’s Bonfire Night celebrations.
With bills coming out of his ears and a golden Donald Trump ‘Shirt Piece Award’ trophy (Trump has had his own effigy in 2016), Infantino was picked for 2026 after a summer of World Cup and FIFA scandal. Last year the effigy was Prime Minister Keir Starmer and in 2024 it was Manchester City supporting brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher.
“What Mr Infantino has become famous for is not limited to the world of football,” Edenbridge Bonfire Society chairman Bill Cummings said.
“Even those who don’t follow the game will be aware of some of the subtle activities he’s been involved in.”
Bonfire Night has a nursery rhyme attached. The following rhyme replaces “Guy Fawkes” with “Infantino” and “King and Parliament” and “England” with “FIFA”, and you have the modern nursery rhyme equivalent of betrayal in football. UEFA is still in the process of lighting the bonfire.
Remember, remember! On the fifth of November,
The betrayal and the gunpowder plot;
I don’t know any reason
Why the betrayal of gunpowder
It should never be forgotten!
Guy Fawkes and his companions
The scheme succeeded,
Fly the King and Parliament
all alive
Sixty barrels, placed below,
To demonstrate the overthrow of old England.
But, by the providence of God, they catch him,
With a dark flashlight, light a match!
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