Parang

Parang

The word Parang comes from the Spanish word parranda, which means to party or to spree. In Trinidad it refers to a particular type of folk music of Spanish American origins. 

Traditional Parang bands were formed by four to six singers accompanied by guitar, cuatro, mandolin, box base, and maracas. The musicians would move from house to house during festive seasons, singing in the homes of families, greeted with drinks and food. There were specific steps that accompanied the entry to a home, the dedication of songs to a host, the eating and drinking, and the departure. Today, many bands are professional, with corporate sponsorship, consisting of sometimes as many as 25 musicians, and often taking part in annual competitions that are televised or broadcast on radio.

Last Updated Thursday, April 03 2003 @ 12:49 PM EST|3,631 Hits