African-style Guy Fawkes celebration takes over streets of Mohlakeng
Mohlakeng youth dress in their mothers’ clothing to celebrate a 17th-century historical figure on Guy Fawkes Day.
Across many communities, November 5 is marked by a long-standing tradition in which the youth dress in drag to commemorate Guy Fawkes Day, and Mohlakeng was no exception.
On this day, mostly children dressed in drag clothing celebrated by dancing and singing with tins in their hands. The celebration is often accompanied by parades where participants cross-dress in their mothers’ clothing and perform for money.
Local culture activist Mutsi Phala Novela explained that the practice is an adopted Eurocentric tradition that has been embraced and reshaped by generations of Africans.
“It is more of a gender-swap parade. Even though it was adopted from Europe, we modified it in an African way. Back in the day, we went from street to street with drums made from tins, car wheel tubes, and beer or cold drink bottle caps, singing and dancing,” said Phala.
According to historical accounts, Guy Fawkes was an English Catholic who became a legendary figure for his involvement in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which aimed to blow up the English Parliament and assassinate King James I. Fawkes and his co-conspirators were ultimately executed for treason.
