- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationCrazy
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Second Monday of July
- Holiday emoji:
- 📣
International Town Criers Day rings in every second Monday of July, celebrating the historic role of public announcers. This unique observance honors the bellmen of old, who once delivered news and proclamations with booming voices. Discover the fascinating history of this ancient profession and consider how modern communication echoes their vital function.
Want to sponsor International Town Criers Day? Learn how
Expected International Town Criers Day Deals
As International Town Criers Day is a recognition holiday for a historical profession, traditional commercial deals are not the focus. Instead, look for historical societies, museums, and local heritage organizations to host special events or educational programs. These might include live demonstrations by modern town criers, historical reenactments, or workshops on public speaking and historical communication. Some local businesses, particularly those in historic districts, might offer special discounts or themed promotions to acknowledge the day’s unique charm. For example, local pubs or gift shops in towns with active criers could offer themed items or small appreciation gestures. We will update this page with confirmed live events and any unique local promotions as July 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Town Criers Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #TownCriersDay. Share historical facts about town criers or photos of modern-day criers in action.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PublicSpeaking. Discuss the evolution of public communication from criers to today’s media professionals.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalTownCriersDay. Share local history stories or videos of town crier performances.
International Town Criers Day Hero
Sir John Gielgud
History of International Town Criers Day
Town criers do not get enough attention, or the recognition they are due, which is why the first International Town Criers Day was founded in 1997 by a town crier himself — Scott Fraser, of Waterloo, Ontario. Despite the importance that his vocation held, Fraser discovered that there was no official day to celebrate his job, and that of many before him, which is why he decided to establish one. Since then, International Town Criers Day aims to bring this profession into the limelight, in order to highlight how town criers have contributed to societies and the importance of their role in disseminating essential information to the general public.
The earliest town criers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, where heralds would be sent to announce the onset of war. Fun fact, the word ‘stentorian’ (meaning ‘loud and powerful’, relating to voice) comes from the name of a Greek town crier named Stentor, who was said to have had the “voice of 50 men.” In medieval England, town criers were essential in keeping the general populace apprised of important news and current affairs, and they would begin their cry with the words “Oyez, oyez,” which roughly translates from French to ‘hear ye, hear ye.’
Every country had its form of a town crier before the invention of newspapers and the spread of literacy. Thus, the job of the town crier was prestigious because they had to be literate and were responsible for ensuring that people were made aware of important news. Sometimes these officials were the bearers of bad news and therefore needed protection from crowds that would want to ‘shoot the messenger.’ So laws were passed that declared it treason to kill a town crier. In fact, the phrase “don’t shoot the messenger” stems from the command to protect town criers.
International Town Criers Day timeline
Town criers are employed to spread the news all over Britain of the invasion of William of Normandy.
The first town crier competitions are held across Western nations.
In Britain, the post of town crier is officially revived by councils and guilds.
The first International Town Criers Day is founded by Scott Fraser of Waterloo, Ontario, a town crier in the 1980s.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Town Criers Day
Local businesses can embrace International Town Criers Day by highlighting the importance of clear communication and community engagement. Retailers in historic districts could partner with local historical societies for themed window displays or host a ‘proclamation’ reading contest for customers, offering prizes for the most engaging delivery. Restaurants might feature ‘historic’ menu items or offer a small discount to patrons who share a fun fact about town criers. Businesses can also utilize their social media to share historical anecdotes about public announcements or even create a short video ‘proclaiming’ a special offer, channeling the spirit of the bellman.
International Town Criers Day FAQs
When is International Town Criers Day?
International Town Criers Day 2026 falls on Monday, July 13, celebrating the historic role of public announcers. It’s a day to appreciate the power of the spoken word.
How many town criers are there today?
While the profession is largely ceremonial, there are several hundred active town criers globally, primarily in the UK, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, keeping the tradition alive through competitions and public appearances.
What did a town crier typically announce?
Town criers traditionally announced royal proclamations, local bylaws, market days, news of births, deaths, and marriages, and any other information vital to the community, often beginning with ‘Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!’
What does 'Oyez' mean?
‘Oyez’ (pronounced ‘oh-yay’) is a Norman French word meaning ‘hear ye’ or ‘listen.’ It was traditionally used by town criers to command attention before making an important announcement, a practice still used in some legal settings.
International Town Criers Day Activities
Be a town crier for the day
Shake things up a bit by making all announcements (or anything really) in a loud, firm, and declarative manner. This can also be a great way to educate folks around you about the importance of the town crier and why they are worthy of a day paying tribute to them. Make it more fun by playing dress-up and renting out a town crier’s livery.
Research town criers
Do a little digging to unearth information about the different kinds of town criers that have existed across cultures and nations. Find out what was similar and what was different, and the impact that town criers had on their communities.
Attend a town crier championship
Across Europe, North America, and Australia, various town crier championships are held and a World Championship occurs every alternate year, too. With categories ranging from ‘Best Dressed’ to ‘Loudest,’ these oddball events are sure to be memorable, so find out more about the next upcoming town crier championship nearest to you.
5 Different Forms Of Town Criers In Countries Across The World
India
Town criers would beat a drum in the village center and proclaim news on behalf of the village headman.
Nepal
The Nepali term for town crier was ‘katuwal’ (derived from Tibetan for ‘voice’ and the suffix for ‘person’), and they would make local announcements for labor, too.
Sri Lanka
‘Ana bera’ was the term used in Sri Lanka for announcements accompanied by drum beats, which is how news was disseminated.
Nigeria
The Igbo tribe would beat a special drum and news would be announced.
Netherlands
Town criers would ring a gong and make their announcements.
Why We Love International Town Criers Day
It honors the town crier profession
We can see now just how important the role of the town crier really was throughout the ages when the general populace was not literate and education remained elitist. Not only was the job dangerous (not to mention taxing), it could take a toll on the vocal cords, as well as make you less popular with people if you’re the bearer of bad news. Imagine a world where all your news reached you through the mouth of one spokesperson — this is why we must appreciate and give town criers their due recognition.
It highlights the importance of media
The role of town criers enables us to think further about the importance of widespread literacy and technological advancements that have changed the world as a whole. Though the media now makes the role of the town crier redundant, it can also make us aware of the fact that not all places in the world have literacy, and there are many communities that still rely on word of mouth to stay up to date with the latest news.
It’s competitive fun
All over Europe, North America, and Australia, town crier championships are held, and they give people a chance to participate in an immersive experience by putting themselves in the shoes (and livery) of a town crier for a day. Not only are these competitions fun, but they also highlight the importance of present-day town criers, too.
Social Media Tips for International Town Criers Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands