| Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago
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Tune in to an exciting trip this December to the Caribbean’s odd couple with 123Christians offering information on Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago. Christmas was first observed in Trinidad in 1569 by six priests of the order of Observantines. They visited several villages and were treated to local cuisine. Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is a very joyous occasion, when families commemorate the birth of Christ. Going to church for many means an annual pilgrimage on Christmas Eve to celebrate Midnight Mass. | |
In the large family gatherings, sumptuous meals are prepared and visitors are invited to partake of the feast. People go from house to house crooning to the members of the home with indigenous Spanish carols, the Parang. Like European and American carolers, these groups, the Paranderos, sing traditional Parangs. They trek through neighborhoods, evoking the spirit of the season with joyful rhythms. The cuatro, bass box, mandolin, ‘chac-chac’ (maracas), flutes, tambourines, guitar et al accompany the Paranderos, who’re rewarded with Christmas food and drink offered by the host.
Traditional Christmas food consists of generous helpings of ham, turkey, pastilles, fruit cake, sweet breads, and other delicacies, along with traditional drinks such as sorrel, ginger beer, and ponche de crème. Christmas is the fusion of the end of year excitement ushering the imminent carnival season when loved ones gather to reminisce on the past year while celebrating each other’s presence. Have a merry Christmas with 123Christians.
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