History of Bonfire in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

A bonfire is a substantial controlled fire set outdoors, serving the purpose of either disposing of flammable waste in an informal manner or as a component of a celebratory event.

1902: Sechseläuten in Zürich

The tradition of burning "winter in effigy" at the Sechseläuten festival in Zürich, Switzerland, was introduced in 1902, inspired by Alemannic bonfire traditions.

1909: Texas A&M Bonfire Tradition Begins

The tradition of building a bonfire at Texas A&M University started in 1909, initially as a simple burning trash pile before the annual football game against The University of Texas.

1969: World Record Bonfire

In 1969, Aggie Bonfire, built by students at Texas A&M, set a Guinness World Record for the tallest bonfire ever built at a staggering 109 feet.

1972: Catholic Bonfires in Northern Ireland

In 1972, Catholic communities in Northern Ireland began lighting bonfires annually on August 9th as both a protest against and commemoration of Internment.

1988: Feuer in den Alpen

The tradition of "Feuer in den Alpen" (fires in the Alps) began in 1988, where bonfires are lit on mountains on a day in August as a call for sustainable development in these regions.

1999: Aggie Bonfire Collapse

Tragedy struck in 1999 when the Aggie Bonfire collapsed during construction, leading to the death of 12 people and injuries to 27 others, prompting the university to stop officially sanctioning the bonfire.

2002: Student Bonfire Group Forms

In 2002, the student-led group, Student Bonfire, was formed and began the tradition of building an annual bonfire, keeping the spirit of the original Aggie Bonfire alive.