Sweet Parang Music

It’s the Christmas holiday season, and so in the islands and in the homes of Caribbean people around the globe, it’s time for parang music! Parang is a Latin style of music with African influences, which is usually played during this festive season on many of the Caribbean islands. It is believed by many to have originated from Spanish priests teaching stories of the Bible. The word “parang” is derived from the Spanish word “parandero,” which means serenader. Also from the word “paranda,” which means to spree; to fete; or merry-making.

Traditional parang bands travel from house to house, and town to town, spreading their holiday joy through their unique music. The instruments that they play mainly consist of the tambourine, the guitar, the maracas, the clapper, the violin, the mandolins, the box bass, the scratcher (güiro) and the toc-toc (claves).

Parang, as with many other styles of music, is continuously evolving and different instruments are being introduced. Traditional parang songs are sung in Spanish. However, soca parang has become increasingly popular, incorporating the English language and infusing calypso styles.