What is International Town Criers Day?

International Town Criers Day is held every year on the second Monday of July and is observed worldwide. The day honours the role of town criers, who historically served as public announcers before newspapers, radio, or digital media existed. Dressed in formal coats, tricorn hats, and carrying a bell, they walked through towns calling out official messages with a clear and powerful voice. They made public declarations, warned of danger, announced news, and became iconic figures of civic life.

Although the profession is now ceremonial, the figure of the town crier remains important as a symbol of tradition, communication, and local identity. Today, town criers still perform at public events, parades, and historical reenactments, keeping the voice of the past alive. Their role reminds us that communication was once direct, oral, and embodied — not just written or digital. The day invites reflection on how communities shared news and how public voices once shaped civic awareness.

Town criers were not simply messengers. They were trusted figures chosen for their memory, presence, and vocal strength. They had legal standing, were often respected members of the community, and used their voice to inform and unite people. International Town Criers Day is not about nostalgia. It is a reminder that the human voice carries power, identity, and tradition in ways no screen can replace.

History and Origin

International Town Criers Day was created by the American Guild of Town Criers to celebrate the heritage of the profession and to raise awareness of its continued cultural value. The second Monday in July was chosen to make it easier for towns and cities to organise outdoor events during summer. From the start, the day was about more than costumes. It was about preserving a form of communication that was once central to public life.

The tradition of town criers dates back to ancient Greece and medieval Europe, when reading and writing were privileges of the few. In those times, the town crier was the living newspaper. They delivered royal edicts, announced lost property, gave warnings during emergencies, and even called out punishments. In many regions, interrupting a town crier was considered a crime.

Even today, many cities still appoint official town criers for festivals, local news, or historical commemorations. Competitions and guild meetings are held around the world to celebrate clarity, presence, and performance. The creation of International Town Criers Day helped transform the image of the town crier from a historical oddity into a voice worth preserving.

Who participates in International Town Criers Day?

• Historical societies: Host lectures, events, and performances that highlight the history of town criers.
• Local governments: Invite town criers to speak at civic ceremonies or cultural celebrations.
• Guilds and associations: Organise competitions, meetings, and public events for members and audiences.
• Enthusiasts and reenactors: Take part in parades and storytelling sessions in traditional dress.
• General public: Watch performances, learn about the role, and engage with local history in an interactive way.

Slogans and Themes

International Town Criers Day often uses slogans like “Let the Bell Be Heard,” “Voice of the People,” or “Hear Ye, Remember Me.” These phrases aim to capture the spirit of oral tradition and the importance of voice in public life. The themes vary each year but often focus on civic memory, human connection, and the power of performance. The day also challenges people to think about how messages were shared before technology and to value traditions that centre presence and clarity.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Red: Refers to the formal dress coats often worn by traditional town criers.
• Black: Represents dignity and formality in public service.
• Gold: Symbolises honour and the official role of the crier in civic life.

Symbols

• Handbell: The tool used to gather attention before making announcements.
• Scroll: Refers to the messages, laws, or proclamations read aloud.
• Hat with feathers: A traditional part of the crier’s uniform, representing status and tradition.

Patterns

• Buttons and braid lines: Decorative elements seen on ceremonial uniforms.
• Wave motifs: Represent sound and the projection of the human voice.
• Historic lettering: Used in signage or banners to reflect the handwritten scrolls criers once read from.

Most used hashtags

• #InternationalTownCriersDay
• #HearYeHearYe
• #TownCrierTradition
• #VoiceOfThePeople
• #CivicHeritage

How do you celebrate International Town Criers Day?

• Attend a local event: Watch a town crier perform in full costume at a historical site or public square.
• Host a speaking contest: Celebrate the art of public announcement and vocal performance.
• Share a message aloud: Try the tradition yourself by reading a historic proclamation or poem in public.
• Explore local archives: Look up the history of town criers in your area and learn about their past roles.
• Support cultural groups: Follow or contribute to organisations that keep oral traditions and reenactment alive.

Why is International Town Criers Day important?

This day reminds us that not all communication needs a screen. Town criers represent the human voice in its purest public form — confident, clear, and present. Before internet updates and television news, people gathered in the streets to hear announcements directly from a fellow citizen. That model of communication was local, physical, and shared. It strengthened community bonds and gave people a sense of direct connection to civic life.

Today, as voices often get lost in digital noise, International Town Criers Day offers a powerful contrast. It celebrates the power of public speaking, the importance of local traditions, and the value of oral storytelling. It encourages us to listen, to speak with intention, and to recognise the performers and messengers who kept history alive by shouting it into the streets.