A pregón is a statement or proclamation disseminated orally in public places. This is done so that everyone is aware of what is being announced, as it may be a matter of public interest. The person who delivers the proclamation is called a town crier or town crier , and they go through the streets of the town loudly proclaiming the announcement. Due to current technology, the figure of the pregón with this meaning barely exists.
However, the concept of a proclamation remains as a speech given to open certain festivities, events, or ceremonies. In these situations, the town crier is usually a well-known personality or person associated with the event.
A proclamation has the following characteristics :
- Short. Since they are delivered orally, they must reach the audience quickly and directly.
- Raised voice. The town crier delivers the text aloud. Sometimes, to aid him, he relies on a melody to help him convey the message. For this reason, some town cries sound like they are sung. To attract the attention of the townspeople, the town crier might use an instrument before the proclamation, such as a bugle, drum, or harmonica.
- Understandable language. In the past, many people were not highly educated. The town crier had to convey the message in a way that people with little or no education could understand. However, in festive proclamations , especially those of a religious or solemn nature, the language tends to be sophisticated .
- An authority is mentioned: “by order of the mayor.”
- Use of sentences with “se”: “it is made known”, “it is required”, “it is requested”.
Types and examples of proclamation
Municipal proclamation
This is the type of proclamation used by municipalities to publicize a local issue. It’s the most traditional form of proclamation and the one most affected by new technologies, making it very difficult to find town criers who can publicize these issues.
Example:
Attention all residents! By order of the Mayor, please be advised that there will be no garbage collection tonight. All residents are asked not to put out their garbage tonight for public health reasons.
Festival proclamation
This is the type of proclamation delivered by a celebrity or someone associated with the festival in question. It has a playful and humorous tone, centered around a specific theme, and is used to inaugurate a specific festival.
It usually ends with cheers for the saint whose feast day is being celebrated.
Example:
I’m proud to be the town crier for the festivities of San Dionisio, our town’s patron saint. I remember how these festivities were celebrated when I was a child, and I’m pleased to see that the festive spirit has remained intact over the years. From my first adventures with the other town children until now, no less than thirty years have passed! Some of the most popular characters are no longer with us, like Don Edemiro, the baker who sold us day-old bread. Or Doña Rigoberta, the seamstress, who made our carnival costumes. Also worthy of special mention is Don Paco, whose inn gave rise to some of the biggest stomach aches.
Jokes aside, we’re here to celebrate, once again, the festivities of Don Dionisio. May he protect us under his mantle for many years to come. Have fun! Long live Saint Dionisio!
Commercial announcement
A commercial pitch is used to sell and promote a specific product or service. The town crier walks down the street loudly announcing a store’s promotions or product benefits to attract the attention of potential customers.
Example:
Attention, attention! Huge sales at Matías department stores on all products! Don’t miss this unique opportunity and take advantage of discounts of up to 80%! Only until the 20th of this month! Remember: Huge sales at Matías department stores!
Market cry
It differs from the commercial call in that the market cry is used in street vending and at fairs. At these fairs, the vendor loudly announces his products.
Example:
Potatoes at bargain prices! Tasty peaches! Two kilos for one on apples, melons, and pears! We have the best fruit in the world!
Religious proclamation
The religious proclamation is used to call the faithful to attend a specific religious act or event or to provide information about it.
Example:
Attention all interested parties! Please be advised that due to rain, the procession of Santa María is canceled. There will be no route this year.
