Some nineteenth century street cries

Abstract

The custom of carrying out all sorts of trades and occupations out in the street has long been a characteristic feature of Maltese life. Up to the first half of the 20th century, it was still common to hear a cacophony of sound from hawkers 鈥渃rying their saleables鈥� through the town and village streets. Each vendor had his own particular recognisable cry which involved a short melodic motif.