About International Town Criers Day
Oyez, oyez, oyez! Long before smartphone notifications, social media feeds, and 24-hour news networks, there was only one way to get the latest updates in town: the booming voice of the town crier.
International Town Criers Day is our chance to look back at this fascinating piece of history and celebrate the energetic people who keep the tradition alive today.
Celebrated annually on the second Monday of July, this day honors the historic and colorful profession of public crying. While modern technology has taken over the job of spreading the news, modern town criers still serve as incredible cultural ambassadors, keeping us connected to our historical roots with a lot of style and a whole lot of volume.
International Town Criers Day
The history of the town crier stretches back thousands of years. Heralds were used in ancient Greece and Rome to spread official news, but the profession truly flourished during the medieval period in Europe.
Because most ordinary citizens back then couldn't read or write, the town crier was the community's primary news source. They walked the streets, rang a heavy brass bell, and shouted to get everyone's attention before reading out new laws, royal births, tax increases, or local market regulations.
Criers traditionally started their proclamations by shouting "Oyez!", a Norman-French term that translates to "Hear ye!" They also held an important legal status.
Because they officially represented the monarch, harming a town crier was legally considered an act of treason. Once they finished reading a scroll, they would pin it to a wooden post outside a local inn or tavern, which is actually where we get the modern term to "post" a message online!
International Town Criers Day Traditions
Today, the role of the town crier is purely ceremonial, but the traditions are as vibrant as ever. Many towns across the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States still employ official criers to add historical flair to local events.
On International Town Criers Day, you will often find these local icons dressed in full historical regalia—complete with elaborate robes, tricorn hats, and carrying their trademark handbells—performing special proclamations in their local communities.
The day is also a major highlight for competitive crying. Around this time of year, town crier guilds and associations hold pageants and competitions.
Judges rate the criers on their volume, clarity, diction, and the historical accuracy of their spectacular costumes, making it a fantastic spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
How to Get Involved
You do not need a booming voice or a traditional robe to join in the fun. Here are a few great ways you can get involved in the festivities today:
Check out a local proclamation: Look up your local town council or community calendar to see if there is an official town crier performing a public reading near you.
Explore your town's history: Visit a local museum or library to discover if your hometown had an official crier in the past and learn what kind of historic news they brought to your community.
Watch a crier competition online: Look up videos of national or international town crier championships to see the incredible vocal power and elaborate costumes of top criers from around the world.
Practice your own "Oyez!": Gather your friends or family and see who can shout the loudest and clearest. Try making a fun household announcement using the traditional formatting.
Did you know? Because town criers were the only source of news, they were required to be completely literate and highly trusted. They were also responsible for reading out darker announcements, including public executions.
Did you know? The loudest recorded town crier in history reached a staggering 113 decibels—which is roughly as loud as a live rock concert or a jet plane flying overhead!
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