What is soca parang?
During Christmas season, the land of soca and calypso transforms into a country united by parang music. Derived from the Spanish word “parranda” meaning “a spree or fête”, parang bands in Trinidad embody this translation with lively and colourful performances that exude the festivity of the season.
What is the difference between parang and soca parang?
Since the 1950s, parang has become more popularised. In the 1980s it evolved into “soca parang”, a fusion of soca and parang with lyrics in English. While still festive in nature, the lyrics often refer to North American cultural elements such as Santa Claus.
What does parang mean in Trinidad?
Initially it meant a group of four or more men who went to give a parranda at an event – a christening or a birthday celebration. The group sang to the accompaniment of musical instruments. However, in Trinidad, parang came to mean the songs that were sung especially during the Christmas season.
What are the different types of parang?
The traditional lyrics of parang which was sung in Spanish were mainly Religious and Christian songs. Today there are new and different styles and categories of parang called Aguinaldos (also known as Serenales), Guarapos and Despendidas.
Who brought parang to Trinidad?
There are two stories about the origins of Trinidad parang. The first is that it was brought by the Spaniards while they colonized Trinidad. It is said that the tradition continued after the British took control because of the interaction with Venezuela.
What is the meaning of parang music?
Parang is a style of music that is synonymous with the Christmas season in Trinidad and Tobago. This folk form evolved over time to incorporate singing from house to house and large corporate stages. Competitions and festivals highlight the parang music and create traditions that are part of this Trini Christmas.
What are parang instruments?
Parang music includes a “core” instrumentation of the following:
- Cuatro.
- Guitar.
- Violin.
- Mandolin.
- Bandolin.
- Box bass or string bass (and more currently, electric bass)
- Maracas (or “chac-chac”)
- Wood block (or “toc-toc”)
What is a parang in English?
Definition of parang : a short sword, cleaver, or machete common in Malaysia and Indonesia.
What language is parang?
Spanish
Traditionally, parang is sung in Spanish and it is part of Trinidad’s Spanish Heritage. The Spanish Heritage goes a bit deeper than language when talking about parang.
Who introduced parang to Trinidad and Tobago?
Who started parang?
History of Parang One is that it all started during the Spanish rule (from 1498 to 1797) and the Spanish and French creoles kept the music alive after the British took over. Another commonly supported view states that Parang came to be in Trinidad from Spain but via Venezuela.
What language is parang music?