Having arrived at our first stop, the trucks found parking on the side yard of the large private house. Parrandas visit homes of the ill and infirm as well as those in private residences and commercial businesses who pay the parranda for stopping and playing. At the "paying" stops food and drink are provided for all participants. As we were still being dogged by rain showers (which is very unusual for this time of the year), the dancers deployed in the huge covered space under the house and got to it. Each parranda will have a theme and distinctive name. Our parranda has a religious sub-theme with some of the outfits decorated with religious iconography. A member is both invited to participate and then will pay to support the parranda. Our parranda was all male although some others are mixed. The picture above is of a locally famous dancer... with great moves.
Parrandas also may have children participate. The child's fee is paid just like the adults and the youngsters participate along with the others.
Parranding isn't "Christmas Caroling "or "Seranading" but its own special experience. With the aguinaldos, seises, and traditional favorites blaring forth from the musicians' truck and loudspeaker, the swirling and brightly dressed dancers, the beverages of all sorts flowing and yummy foods being served, it is an exhilerating and exciting experience. No one can keep still when the music starts and before long, we were all moving to the music!
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