This weekend marks the 32nd Annual Parang Festival, which is held on the weekend before Christmas Day. It celebrates the unique music, entertainment and traditions of Carriacou, the tiny sister island of the Caribbean nation of Grenada. It was created in 1977 to keep alive the tradition of house to house serenading of string bands, an indigenous aspect of Carriacou's culture. These "string bands" are not made up of stringed instruments- rather, the groups use only percussion instruments. Festivities begin on Friday with a free open-air concert in the streets of Hillsborough, featuring carol singing, cultural presentations and parang string bands, followed by house to house "paranging" all night. On Saturday, there will be live performances from entertainers from around the world. On Sunday, organized parang groups from villages throughout Carriacou, Grenada and Petite Martinique compete for the challenge trophy and cash prizes, performing a compulsory Christmas Carol and their selected piece. The lyrics in the songs can be rather bawdy and controversial at times, reflecting on current political and historical events in the country. Traditional Carriacou celebration dances such as the Quadrille and Big Drum will also heat up the night.
While you are bundled up against the cold, maybe singing a carol or two, think about how you could spend Christmas next year on a Caribbean charter! -Donna
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