Other Definitions
parang (dict)
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ParangParang is a style of music played in Trinidad and Tobago during the Christmas season. It is typically played with cuatro (a four-string small guitar), maracas (locally known as shak-shaks), and is often sung in Spanish. Although it is much less common in modern times, musicians called Parranderos still roam the streets playing this music and serenading people with both sacred and non-sacred repertoire. Song types include aguinaldo, guarapo, estribillo, manzanares, joropo, galeron, picon, serenal, and despedida. Although the repertoire is influenced by nearby Venezuela's traditions, it has largely developed into an indigenous performance genre in Trinidad. While the traditional house to house caroling tradition is still practiced, the music has also developed into a season of staged performances called "parang fiestas," held from October through December each year, culminating in a final national competition. Notable parang artists include Daisy Voisin, Henry Perreira, Sharlene Flores, Leon Caldero and the Lara Brothers. As the genre popularized since the 1950s, many soca music artists have generated a cross-over music called "parang-soca." Noted parang-soca artists include Scrunter and Big B. Traditionally the parrandero travelled from house to house in the community and was often joined by friends and neighbors using whatever instruments were at hand, including violin, guitar, claves (locally known as toc-toc), box bass (an indigenous instrument), flute, mandolin, bandolin, caja (a percussive box instrument), and marimbola (an Afro-Venezuelan influence). In exchange for the entertainment, traditional parranderos would be given food and drink rum or poncha creme (an alcohol-rich eggnog). The contemporary staged parang fiesta has also integrated electric instruments and amplification. The practice of paranging remains an important element of Trinidadian rituals during the Christmas season.
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