The Watchman of Old Manila
A watchman of Madrid. 1832. Drawing by Juan Carrafa (BNE). I haven't seen yet illustrations or photos of "Sereno" of Manila. It heightens more curiosities. In the acclaimed short story "May Day Eve" by Nick Joaquin, the narrative opens and closes with a watchman's proclamation: "Guardia sereno-o-o! A las doce han dado-o-o!" (This translates to "Night watch! Its twelve midnight!") Joaquin vividly recreates a centuries-old tradition from Spanish Manila, one with roots in medieval Spain: the sereno, a night watchman. This watchman system was a common feature in European medieval towns. Communities within walled cities employed them to patrol the streets and announce the passing hours. Interestingly, the hourly call also served as a rudimentary weather report for medieval farmers. In case of disruptive weather, the sereno's announcement would warn them to take meas