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Parang |
Location : Trinidad & Tobago
Photograph By : W.L.B
Posted : Dec 7, 2009 : 7:02:20 PM |
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During the Christmas season, Trinidad and Tobago (almost) forgoes its calypso, pan and soca for seasonal music, parang. The word comes from the Spanish parranda, meaning to make merry, but in Trinidad it refers to any folkloric music of Hispanic American origin; parang is also played in Venezuela, and in the Dominican Republic the music is called arguinaldo.
The origins of the artform are controversial. One theory is that it was used by the clergy in Spanish missions as a way of indoctrinating the Amerindians into Christianity, another that it was imported along with Venezuelans who went to work on the Trinidadian cocoa estates.
Traditional parang bands, often referred to as parenderos, consist of four to six singers accompanied by musicals playing various string and percussion instruments, some classical and some indigenous to the region. The lyrics are traditionally Spanish, and mainly religious Christian, but today there are new styles, each with its own name; a despedida, for instance, gives thanks for the joy of sharing and says farewell to the host, until next year, whilst an estribillo is a lively ‘sing-along’ song, with calls and answers. Nowadays one may also find soca parang, a fusion of the two genres with lyrics in English and more North American Christmas references.
Parang bands move from house to house, serenading family and friends who greet them with food and drink. The festive season is from mid October until Epiphany, January 6th. It creates an atmosphere of festivity, togetherness and joy
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