Parang II: Folk Music of Trinidad

Parang music is one of Trinidad and Tobago's folk music that seem in a remarkable way to stay true to its original form, unlike other local genres of music. The second part will look at this form of music, its distinct qualities, and the role it plays in the Trinidad society.

Parang music adds to Trinidad's rich heritage. The lyrics of parang music reflect the Christian belief, and the music focuses on the Christmas theme. For this reason the songs are generally about the the Virgin Mary, the Annunciation, and the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the lyrics can also carry a romantic or humorous theme. The lyrics, on the whole, is always one that give the listener a sense of joy and merriment.

Within Parang, there are particular styles which has its functions in the genre such as the Aguinaldos (generally commemorating Jesus and the joys of Christmas), Guarapos, Castillans and Despendidas. Around the Christmas season parang is especially enjoyed during the house to house visits: house parang we call it.

Parang music comprises of Spanish lyrics generally accompanied by a string band. The string band has musical instruments, such as the cuatro, guitar, mandolin, cello, bandola, and the violin; and accompanied by percussion instruments such as the Amerindian Maracas, tambourine, wood block, box bass, claves, scratcher (guiro), clapper, and palitos (toc toc). The strumming style of the string players are distinct for this type of music. Also, this genre of music favored singers with high-pitched voices. A band usually consisted of four to six musicians and a lead singer but with all the festivity of the music and house to house paranging many would join in along the way.

Traditionally, parang musicians, referred to as "Paranderos", move house to house in neighbourhoods - serenading families during the Christmas season. These visits may go on into the early hours of the morning. This ritual is still practiced to a smaller degree, but wherever it is practiced, the tradition of merriment still continues and the host still shares her Christmas delicacies (such as ham, pastelles, sorrel drink, ponche de creme and black c ake) and alcoholic drinks, such as homemade wines, to her visiting "Paranderos".

Today, the parang music has survived many trials and threats to its continuity, because much of the 'panyol culture and language is dying. I believe the slow denigration of this culture and language began when Trinidad came under British rule and one of the main communities, the Caura community, was displaced. For this reason the oral tradition of passing on the music has been affected greatly. However, parang has survived and continue to grow in popularity, helping make the Christmas season a festive time.

Paranderos generally begin their serenading with the Serenal, a song that announce their arrival to the home to relate the story the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of "peace on earth and goodwill to all men". During the visits they sing other songs, one favorite is the one that is referred to as the Anunciation, the song describing the conversation between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary.

Daisy Voisin sings "Sereno, Sereno".

However, Paranderos find their reward participating in the seasonal Parang competitions and in the annual Heritage Festival held in Lopinot. Also, each year, top Parang bands compete in the seasonal National Parang Competition. Lately, there has been much controversy over whether Parang should remain in its pure form or allowed to be fused with other local genres of music, particularly soca and chutney. This evolution of music has already affected the other forms of local music. Could Parang music in Trinidad keep true to its identity and purpose?

The parang music is a beautiful music, with an inspiring message that reflects the true meaning of Christmas. Any changes to any element of this folk music, I believe, compromises its unique sound, changes it original purpose and defuncts it message. When this happens one can easily say that the entire tradition of the 'Payol has passed away, but only time will eventually tell.

I will end this article with one of my favorite parang songs, Hooray, Hoorah...