National Parang Association moves forward with fundraising campaigns

Arima, September 5, 2021. The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago is in full support of the measures put in place to protect the citizens of our country because of this ongoing pandemic. However, as a long-standing member of the Creative Industry, the extension of the State of Emergency (SOE), with the attendant protocols and restrictions, continues to affect our operations and the livelihood of many.

Around this time of year, parranderos prepare for the Advent and Christmas seasons, as we spread the message of “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men” to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in song, the essence of which is needed in this unprecedented time. We hope this year, we will continue to fill the hearts of all our citizens with hope, love, and peace with our Parang Music.

Impact of the Pandemic on the Parang Community

This year marks our Golden Anniversary as an organization and several activities were planned to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

On April 18th, we began our celebrations with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Assumption, Maraval. Unfortunately, our major initiatives such as the launch of the National Parang Orchestra and the drive for “A Home for Parang” have been deferred to next year.

Also, the annual Parang Festival, our major income-earner that help support our operations, will not be produced. We are experiencing the severe financial impact of not hosting the festival in various communities.

Our Way Forward

Despite the challenges, our main goal for NPATT’s 50th Anniversary remains to secure a location for “A Home for Parang.” We have seen the good work we have done over the years, transforming the lives of many young people through Parang music, and we will continue to do so.

To ensure the next generation of parranderos have a place called home, the parang community comprising more than 50 adult and 60 junior bands will unite in an “Each 1 Help 1” Parang Drive.




This campaign entails a series of fundraisers and online presentations:

Parang History Month (September 2021)

Instrumental Showdown
Knockout Round Individual Category. Monday September 13th 2021
Final Round Individual Category. Monday September 20th 2021
Ensemble Premier and Final Round. Monday September 27th 2021
Grand Finale, winners announced. Thursday September 30th 2021

For the Love of Parang Parang Telethon
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October 2021
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October 2021
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October 2021
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th October 2021

For the Love of Parang Bar B Que
Saturday 30th October 2021

Junior Parang Virtual Parang Explosion
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November 2021

Drive In Parang Theatre
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December 2021
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December 2021
Saturday 18th and Sunday 12th December 2021
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Account number (FCB #1463159) is provided for contributions. We continue to fulfill our mandate to preserve, promote and carefully steer the evolution of this artform.

It is our deep desire that citizens, government agencies and the private sector support our initiative to ensure that we, too, make it through this Covid 19 Pandemic “Alive”.


If “Each 1 Help 1,” We Will Survive!