When:
🗓️ Second Monday in July
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
1997
Created by Scott Fraser
(town crier in Waterloo, Ontario)
🗣️📣📜
Hear ye! Hear ye!
The cat from the Smiths was stuck in a tree… again!
Daisy from the south part of town has baked the perfect banana bread!
Weather is sunny with a chance of fruity sprinkles!
International Town Criers Day: When History Echoes Through the Streets
Hear ye, hear ye! Prepare to step back in time and prepare to be transported to a time when news was shouted from the rooftops and information was disseminated through the power of the human voice. This captivating event, observed on the second Monday in July, pays tribute to the timeless profession of town criers and their role as heralds of news and announcements.
Join us as we explore the rich history and enduring charm of town criers, and celebrate their important contribution to folklore.
The Voice of the Town
Town criers were the official messengers of their time, bringing news and announcements to communities in a pre-print era.
Clad in striking uniforms, adorned with tricorn hats, equipped with a bell and a booming voice that can reach every nook and cranny of a town, these historical figures were the epitome of effective news broadcast. Their loud proclamations not only shared vital news, but also served to unify neighborhoods, disseminate public notices, and maintain a sense of collective identity.
Town criers were the living embodiment of communal communication in an era when written news was a luxury few could afford. Think of them as the human megaphones of yesteryear, commanding attention and capturing the essence of their time.
From the Past to the Present: Do Town Criers Still Exist?
While the occupation of town criers has evolved over time, their spirit lives on in various forms.
Today, they may be seen at historical reenactments, special events, or even as ambassadors of a town’s heritage. While the occupation of town criers may not be as prevalent today, their legacy lives on in our hearts and historic reenactments.
The advent of modern communication methods and the decline of town squares as the focal point of communities has reshaped the role of town criers. However, these captivating figures continue to captivate our imagination and remind us of the importance of effective communication in fostering a sense of unity.
The Origin of International Town Criers Day
International Town Criers Day was established in 1997 by Scott Fraser, a town crier himself hailing from Waterloo, Ontario.
Fraser, recognizing the absence of an official day to celebrate his profession and that of the town criers before him, took it upon himself to create this special occasion.
Since then, this annual celebration has been held on a Monday in early July, inviting people from all corners of the globe to show appreciation for the town criers who once graced the streets with their resounding calls.
How to Participate in International Town Criers Day
To celebrate International Town Criers Day, one can:
- Learn the history:
Dive into the captivating stories and legends surrounding town criers. Discover their significant role in communicating news and announcements throughout the centuries. - Organize a Town Crier Performance:
Arrange for a local town crier or enthusiastic volunteers to deliver historical proclamations or entertaining announcements in your community. - Engage with town criers:
Attend events, festivals, or historical reenactments where town criers make appearances. Interact with them, ask questions, and learn more about their craft. - Dress the Part:
Embrace the spirit of the town crier by donning period-inspired clothing or tricorn hats, and share your festive attire with others. - Share the stories:
Spread awareness about town criers by sharing fascinating tales about town criers from history through social media, blogs, or community events. Encourage others to appreciate this unique profession and its impact on local communities.
Raise Your Voice
International Town Criers Day invites us to step into the past and appreciate the enduring legacy of town criers. Join the festivities, share the stories, and raise a toast to these captivating voices of history on International Town Criers Day.
And if anyone asks why you’re celebrating International Town Criers Day by strolling through the streets, belting out the day’s news at the top of your lungs, just tell them that Wild Calendar gave you permission to honor the heralds of the past. (As long as it’s after the roosters’ wake up call)
Happy International Town Criers Day!
#InternationalTownCriersDay #TownCriersDay
