Question about Diwali days and date?

I am new to India and very much looking forward to the Diwali celebrations approaching. From what I have read Diwali lasts for 5 days, with day one being the day houses are decorated, and lanterns are lit, day 2 being the early oil bath and day four is when there is feasting and wives give their husbands garlands and pray for his long life? I know I have missed a couple of days there , but I'd rather not show my ignorance, but the thing I really want to know is - all the people and adverts say that Diwali is November 5th, but is that the first day when all the lights an d firecrackers go off, or is it the last day? Do the lights and firecrackers last all 5 days? Sorry to be so stupid, but I really do want to learn and enjoy this to fullest - it seems a like a very happy tie in India and I don't want to miss it.