TriniView.com Staff Article
Event Date: December 16, 2006
Posted: December 18, 2006

Last Saturday, a sizable crowd of Parang enthusiasts gathered at O’Meara Road in Arima to witness twelve parang bands compete in the National Parang Association’s national Parang finals. Although the night was cold, which is common during the December month, the crowd was hot with excitement and anticipation for the bands to play sweet Parang music. Already people could be seen gearing up to dance and finding comfortable spaces to watch and listen to the bands.

Scheduled to start at 8 pm, the proceedings got underway at around 9:30 with an address by Michael Lezama, the President of the National Parang Asssocation. Lezama told the audience that Parang is an artform that generates a spirit of brotherhood by its message of immense joy and peace. He emphasized that Parang celebrates the divine essence of Christmas and criticized the materialistic bent of society. He went on to explain that the pursuit of materialism is the cause of a lot of the ills that are seen today.

He underscored that the purpose of the NPA is to elevate the artform and called on persons to support Parang with all their heart. He outlined that there is a hunger for World Beat music but persons outside of Trinidad hardly know about Parang. Mentioning that the NPA is now celebrating 35 years of existence, Lezama thanked the media for their support and said that Parang has a bright future once certain prerequisites are met.

The Honourable Senator Joan Yuille Williams, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, then came on stage to give her address. Speaking to an audience who were impatient for the Parang to start, she emphasized Government’s support for Parang and spoke of the importance of culture in developing Trinidad and Tobago. She also thanked the NPA for its role at the recent Carifesta.

As Richard Mendez began to give the vote of thanks audience members began to shout for the competition to start and began clapping to rush him to end.

At 10 pm, as the first band began to set up on stage, the eager crowd rushed forward to occupy the space at the front of the stage. The crowd shouted their approval as the first band, Unidad Serenaders began their first selection. Sections of the audience erupted in graceful dancing and swaying to the sweet sounds of Parang while the atmosphere became hot and heavy with exhilaration.

In keeping with the Christmas season, red seemed to be the popular choice of colour for many bands. Audience members were also dressed in and shirts, pants and dresses made with fancy cuts and irregular shapes and spicy colours which further added to the festive mood.

Each Parang Band had to perform two type of songs, La Anunciacion and El Nacimiento.

The twelve bands in order of their appearance were:

1. Unidad Serenaders
2. Paraminos
3. Los Buenos Parranderos
4. Los Amigos Cantadores
5. Los Pastodores
6. Voces Jovenes
7. La Familia de Carmona y Amigos
8. Amantes de Parranda
9. La Rueda Del Aqua
10. Courts Ruisenores
11. Los Parranderos de UWI
12. La Familia de Rio Claro

Technical difficulties with the sound system delayed certain bands and even caused Los Amigos Cantadores to have to do over one of their songs. Despite this, the enthusiastic audience lapped up the offerings of the 12 Parang bands.

Members of the audience danced the night away to the lively rhythms of the Parang music. It was refreshing to see young persons performing within the Parang bands and also present in the audience, ensuring that participation and interest in Parang music is continued to upcoming generations.

La Familia de Rio Claro closed off the competition to rousing applause from the appreciative audience. As the judges deliberated, Robert Munro, accompanied by two other musicians, kept the audience entertained.

When the results were read out, Los Parranderos de UWI, one of the crowd favorites, emerged as the winner, with their lead singer Joanne Briggs copping the award for Best Female Vocalist. “Los Parranderos de UWI performed “La Virgen Santa” and “El Buen Posadero”. The St Augustine based band have won the competition after placing second eight consecutive times. Philip Salazar of Los Pastores was named Best Male Vocalist.

National Parang Finals Results

Placing / Band / Area / Points

1st Los Parranderos de UWI / St Augustine / 171.3
2nd Los Buenos Parranderos / El Dorado / 164.5
3rd Los Pastodores / Palo Seco / 162.8
4th Amantes de Parranda / Barataria / 161.9
5th La Familia de Rio Claro / Rio Claro / 157.5
6th Paraminos / Paramin / 153.2
7th Los Amigos Cantadores / Trincity / 151.9
8th Courts Ruiseñores / Point a Pierre / 147.2
9th Voces Jovenes / Petit Valley / 135.6
10th La Familia de Carmona y Amigos / 134.6
11th La Rueda Del Aqua / Diego Martín / 133.9
12th Unidad Serenaders / Arima / 125.5

NPATT Parang Finals 2006 in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2117

TriniView.com Staff Article
Event Date: December 10, 2006
Posted: December 12, 2006

The Lopinot Heritage Festival took place on Sunday 12th December, 2006, to a crowd of hundreds. This event, although very festive in nature, was also an educational experience for visitors to learn about Parang in Lopinot.

The event began a little before midday with a procession from the vicinity of the Lopinot Heritage Site to the La Veronica R.C. Church on the Lopinot main road. A solemn procession was lead to the church by the Parranderos from various Parang groups, and after the sermon by the La Veronica R.C. Parish priest, they left the compound with this music. As the group proceeded, the atmosphere became more lively and festive, picking up more participants along the way.

The Parang music continued as the gathering arrived at the first of two houses. Upon arrival, Mr. Ricardo Rambally of the Lopinot Tourist Action Committee took this time to explain what usually happens during a house to house Parang session. He talked about the songs used to enter and exit a house, the dances that accompanied the songs and the food and drink that is usually offered to the Parranderos by the hosts. Once familiarized with what to expect, the crowds’ experience began with getting the approval of the house owners. Similar Parang rituals took place at the homes of the Alexis and the Cornelio families. Next stop for those who had participated in the Parang procession brought the group to the Lopinot Heritage site, where final preparations for the entertainment portion of the days activities along with an ever-growing crowd, brought the festivities into full swing.

The bands that played until late that evening were: Living Legends of Lopinot Parang group, La Familia de Carmona y Amigos Parang group, David and Friends Parang band, Santa Cecilia Parang group, Maracas Serenaders Parang group and members of the Los Niños Del Este parang group ( 2nd place winners of the National Parang Competition 2005).

Before the music begun, Mr. Ricardo Rambally of the Lopinot Tourist Action Committee recited a prayer in Spanish followed by an introduction to the proceedings by MC, Mr. Farouk Khan.

Mr. Rambally also guided the audience through a demonstration of the Cocoa Dance, done to shine the cocoa beans before sale. Mr. Cyril Cooper of the Lopinot Tourist Action Committee helped in the demonstration of the Cocoa Dance along with members of the audience who were invited on stage. Those who were brave enough dance were presented with hampers by the Lopinot Tourist Action Committee.

Also interesting was a romantic poem recited by Mr. Dudley Vallantyne of the Lopinot Tourist Action Committee, which was applauded by all.

Other activities around the area included the sale of different foods from Lopinot as well as various souvenir items. Additionally, one cannot forget to mention the dancing that took place in the venue. Even those who were inexperienced with dancing to Parang music tried to mimic the professionals or do their own thing on the dance floor.

Although the programme ended around 8p.m., Parang lovers have no designated time to halt their enjoyment of the music. Evidently, the love of Parang extending a seasonal basis, is a growing trend in the country.

The Lopinot Heritage Festival in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1809

TriniView.com Staff Article
Event Date: December 09, 2006
Posted: December 12, 2006

On Saturday 9th December, 2006, Parang lovers were given a treat at the Maracas – St. Joseph Community Centre. Large crowds of people assembled inside and outside the Community Centre to listen to Parang by six of the top bands in the country. Although the rain was threatening, people stayed on for most of the show.

The MC’s were Mr. Hollis Cielto and Mr. Farouk Khan whose co-partnership worked well throughout the night.

After a group rendition of the National Anthem, Mr. Hollis Cielto began the programme with a prayer wishing the people of Maracas and its visitors a productive life and wished also for the longevity of Parang.

Co-MC, Mr. Farouk Khan, gave the people a brief history of Maracas, St. Joseph with its heavy Spanish influence. Mr. Khan explained that Maracas Valley, a place of incredible natural beauty, has very strong links to Hispanic culture. In addition, the village of Maracas, St. Joseph, formerly referred to as St. Jose de Aruna, was an area that had direct influence in other parts of the world. For example, as Mr. Khan pointed out, General Francisco de Miranda orchestrated South American Independence at the Williamsfield Estate in the village, circa 200 years ago. It was in Maracas village that he designated the colours red, yellow and blue to the Venezuelan flag.

Mr. Khan went on to state that Parang music, which largely came about as a result of Venezuelan and Spanish influences, is still very much alive in villages such as Maracas. Thus, the celebration of Parang at the Community Centre was a celebration of a tradition that has been able to be maintained for over three centuries.

The six bands that performed during the programme were: Las Buenos Nuevas Parang group, Maracas Serenaders Parang group, Amantes de Parranda Parang group, Los Pastores Parang group, La Familia de Rio Claro Parang group, and T&TEC San José Seranaders.

The night’s atmosphere was filled with festivity including plenty of food and drink. Along with dancing to the Parang music, some members of the audience brought their musical instruments and accompanied the Parang bands, adding to the sights and sounds.

The Parang season is far from over and it is certain that the village of Maracas and its representatives would continue to share much joy throughout the season.

Parang in Maracas, St. Joseph in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1657

TriniView.com Staff Article
Event Date: December 02, 2006
Posted: December 04, 2006

The formal ceremony celebrating the lighting up of Woodford Square for the holidays took place on Saturday 2nd December, 2006, in Port of Spain, to a crowd of over one hundred. The event started at about twenty minutes to six with an audience filled mainly with children and their accompanying parents.

The ceremony started with the National Anthem sung by Ancil Valley, one of the Digicel Rising Star contestants, who blew the audience away with his fantastic voice.

The MC for the night was Ms. Knycky Cordner who did a good job connecting with the audience, and in particular the children, who responded to her every call.

Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) president Gregory Aboud, the opening speaker, thanked the City of Port of Spain Corporation for making Woodford Square the beautiful place that it is today. Mr. Aboud went on to say that at this time, Christians celebrate a child born in very humble circumstances. Thus, according to the wealthy businessman, this should be a lesson that regardless of people’s social and financial circumstances they all have a part to play in building the country. He ended by stating that he hopes this type of gathering continues in the future.

Nicole Smith, Marketing Director of Digicel, expressed her delight in being present at Woodford Square and thanked the other sponsors for helping the main sponsor Digicel to bring the lighting of the square to fruition.

His Worship, the Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown, lastly addressed the audience, expressing his pleasure in bringing light and happiness to the square. He thanked Digicel and DOMA for working in conjunction with the City of Port of Spain in bringing this event to the public. He finally stated that the lighting of the square showed how corporate citizens and the government can work together for the benefit of the public. At the end of his address, he ceremonially turned on the lights which marked the beginning of the entertainment that followed.

Entertainment for the night was provided by the Codrington Pan Family, the Los Alacranas Parang Band from Paramin and Digicel Rising Stars contestants Jakeisha Sluddlin and Cheryl-Ann Frederick.

There were also a few giveaways including Holiday Foods activity books and snacks given away by Santa Claus and Dasini Water given away by the Digicel workers.

The lighting of Woodford Square is only one of several areas within Port of Spain lit up for the Christmas Season. Many remain hopeful that this lighting would continue to illuminate the city and bring the people of Trinidad and Tobago closer together.

Christmas Lighting of Woodford Square in pictures:
http://triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=87269