It is all over the radio in Trinidad and Tobago at Christmas, this melodious music called parang, which sounds like the love child of calypso and mariachi music complete with the high-pitched ‘aye aye aye, arriba arriba'.

The term “parang” is a derivative of the Spanish word parranda - the action of merrymaking. Many traditional parang songs elaborate on food, listing all of the TNT delicacies made especially at Christmas; pastelles, paime, ginger beer, ponche de crème, black cake, sorrel, and the list goes on. Other timely topics include family reunions and ensuing festivities, and enjoying Christmas in the islands.

The musical style also refers to a group of carousers who serenade their friends throughout the year. Performances are usually staged around a Christmas tree when performers don brightly-coloured garb and Spanish-style hats. Instruments played include the flute, drum machine, electric bass, and the steel pan, which backs up the lead singer.

Singers associated with the art form include Scrunter who often figure into the large parang festivals usually during the week leading up to Christmas. But of the many popular parang songs, my favourite is by Lord Kitchener Drink ah Rum.

Sample some popular parang songs here and here and decide for yourself whether you'll be adding the genre to your music library.