International Town Criers Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Town Criers Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Town Criers Day is celebrated on July 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Town Criers Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you ought to know about International Town Criers Day.

📅 What day is International Town Criers Day 2024?

In 2024, International Town Criers Day is on Monday, July 10th. It is the 2nd Monday in July; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about July 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Surprisingly, there is a day called International Town Criers Day on July 10th each year. You may be unfamiliar with the term “town crier” as it is an old-fashioned and obscure role. Town criers were responsible for making official announcements in public places on behalf of the government or royal court. It must have been quite challenging for them, especially if they were nervous in front of large crowds. Now, let’s ponder who or what could be considered the modern-day equivalent of a “town crier.”

📜 International Town Criers Day History

The concept of town criers can be traced back to Greek heralds, who were responsible for signaling the start of war. It is believed that they were the forerunners of town criers. One interesting fact is that Stentor, a Greek town crier known for his incredibly loud and powerful voice, is the origin of the word “stentorian” which means loud and powerful. In medieval England, town criers would begin their announcements with the words “Oyez, oyez,” which roughly translates to “hear you, hear you” in French. Their role was vital as they informed the public of important news and current events in a time when there was no widespread literacy or media. The position of a town crier was highly esteemed as they had to be literate and occasionally deliver unpleasant news. To protect them from potential harm, laws were passed making it treasonous to harm or kill a town crier. This is where the phrase “don’t shoot the messenger” originated, highlighting the importance of protecting those who delivered important information.

✅ International Town Criers Day Facts

🔖 Nepal
In Nepali, the term for a town crier was “katuwal,” which came from the combination of the Tibetan word for “voice” and a suffix meaning “person.” These individuals were responsible for not only announcing news but also distributing labor-related notices within the local community.

🔖 Sri Lanka
“Ana bera” was a term used in Sri Lanka to refer to the practice of making announcements with the accompaniment of drum beats, serving as a means to communicate news.

🔖 India
In ancient times, town criers would use drums to grab the attention of people in the village square and then proceed to share important messages and updates from the village headman.

👍 Why Is International Town Criers Day Important

We can clearly understand how crucial the position of the town crier was throughout the years when the majority of the population was illiterate and education remained elite. Not only was the job risky (not to mention hard), but it might also strain the vocal cords and make you unpopular with others if you were the bearer of bad news. Imagine a world in which all of your news came from the lips of a single spokesman; this is why we must value and recognize town criers.

The position of town criers allows us to consider the significance of widespread literacy and technical breakthroughs that have impacted the globe as a whole. Though the media has rendered the position of the town crier obsolete, it may also make us aware that not all parts of the world have literacy, and many communities still rely on word of mouth to keep up with the newest news.

Town crier championships are held all over Europe, North America, and Australia, and they allow people to participate in an immersive experience by putting themselves in the shoes (and livery) of a town crier for a day. These competitions are not only entertaining, but they also illustrate the relevance of modern-day town criers.

🙂 How To Observe International Town Criers Day

⚡ Attend a town crier championship
Different town crier contests take place across Europe, North America, and Australia, and there is a global championship held biennially. These peculiar competitions offer a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring diverse categories such as “best dressed” and “loudest.” If you’re interested, be sure to learn about the upcoming town crier championship happening in your area.

⚡ Be a town crier for the day
Add some excitement and variety to your routine by making all announcements or any other communication loud, powerful, and confident. This can also be a great way to raise awareness about the significance of town criers and their deserving of a dedicated day. Enhance the experience by dressing up and hiring a group of town criers to make it even more enjoyable.

⚡ Research town criers
Take the time to explore the various types of town criers found in different cultures and civilizations through research. Discover the similarities and differences among them, and understand the impact they had on their respective communities.

📅 When is International Town Criers Day?

See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about International Town Criers Day. So be sure to check back soon.