Latin Jubilee celebrates a Christmas Parranda

Warwick - The “Parranda” is a long-established tradition in the Latin community. “At Latin Jubilee,” said Judy Battista, host of the WTBQ (1110 AM) radio show, “we recently celebrated a ‘Christmas Parranda’ in the traditions of our family customs gatherings.” The Latin Jubilee radio show is affiliated with the Warwick/Sugarloaf Jubilee Multicultural Arts dance studio that Battista created to introduce and host dancers, artists and musicians while providing education in both traditional and contemporary multi-cultural and Latino art forms. She explained that a “parranda” means a party or gathering. In the Latin Caribbean it is a form of Christmas caroling where neighbors go from house to house singing, dancing and playing music. In return for their entertainment, the homeowners offer them food and refreshments. After eating they wish everyone a “Feliz Navidad” and gather more people to go on to the next house. “A unifying theme as Latino Americans is the way we celebrate Christmas or Navidad,” said Battista. “It’s not much different but it’s with a Latin flavor.” The people at Latin Jubilee wanted to re-create a “parranda” in this area but instead of doing it on a single night, they began on December 8 with the Latin Jubilee Folkloric dancers who are young teens learning the art of Bomba and Plena as well as Latin Hip-Hop. They danced at Calientes Restaurant in Central Valley, sang songs and enjoyed the food afterwards. On Dec. 14 the group repeated the performance at Don Jose Restaurant in Middletown. The dancers also visited the Latino Market in the Village of Florida. And all were packed houses. “This was so special for the girls,” said Battista. “I wanted them to learn part of their culture and heritage. They were able to dress in traditional costumes and wear flowers in their hair. They really enjoyed it.” The “parranda” ended on Dec. 17 with a Latin Christmas celebration at Warwick’s American Legion Post 214. After demonstrating a variety of dances everyone shared foods from their native countries and enjoyed a special visit by the three kings and Santa Claus. “It was really a family gathering,” said Battista. “I was so proud of everyone.” Jubilee offers dance instructions for children through adults. For information, visit www.jubileepresents.com or call 987-4207.