Hospitality Herald

Before breaking news alerts, social media posts, or emails, there was one voice the town waited to hear — the Town Crier.

On this International Town Criers Day, we pause to honor a role that was once vital to civic life: the human messenger who stood at the crossroads of community, communication, and public duty.

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A Brief History of the Town Crier

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome and flourishing across medieval Europe, Town Criers were the original broadcasters.

Clad in elaborate uniforms, ringing a brass bell, and shouting, “Hear ye! Hear ye!”, they were appointed by kings, governors, and city councils to:

• Announce new laws and royal proclamations
• Deliver urgent public messages
• Report battles, taxes, or trials
• Declare important local events or warnings

Because many people in earlier centuries were illiterate, the Town Crier served as the voice of the people — and for the people.

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More Than a Messenger

Town criers weren’t just readers of royal scripts. They were:

• Trusted public servants
• Masters of voice and theatrical performance
• Keepers of order during public gatherings
• Often protected by law — harming a town crier was considered treason in some monarchies

They were local celebrities, instantly recognizable by their colorful regalia, scrolls, boots, and commanding presence.

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The Role Today: Symbolic, But Still Meaningful

With the rise of printing, radio, TV, and eventually the internet, town criers became less essential — but never irrelevant.

Today, Town Criers:

• Perform at ceremonies, festivals, and tourist events
• Preserve heritage and history
• Compete in international competitions (yes, for volume and clarity!)
• Are ambassadors of civic pride and tradition

Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and even parts of the U.S. still maintain ceremonial town criers — many of whom are hospitality figures, tourism ambassadors, or involved in destination branding.

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Why It Matters to Hospitality Today?

The town crier’s story reminds us of something essential:
Hospitality is communication.

Whether we’re welcoming a guest to a hotel, announcing a special event, or writing a restaurant newsletter — the spirit of the town crier lives on.

We are still calling people together, informing with care, and creating a sense of community — just with different tools.

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Final Proclamation

On this International Town Criers Day, we at Hospitality Herald raise a toast (and maybe a bell) to:

• The original voices of news and trust
• The vibrant tradition of public storytelling
• And to everyone in hospitality who keeps their message loud, clear, and full of heart

📣 “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! May we always serve with clarity, courage, and community spirit.”