{"id":21422,"date":"2022-12-12T09:42:11","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T13:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/latinomusiccafe.com\/?p=21422"},"modified":"2022-12-13T10:33:16","modified_gmt":"2022-12-13T14:33:16","slug":"jose-nogueras-parrandas-will-prevail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinomusiccafe.com\/2022\/12\/12\/jose-nogueras-parrandas-will-prevail\/","title":{"rendered":"Jos\u00e9 Nogueras: Parrandas Will Prevail"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parrandas are a source of inspiration for many of Jos\u00e9 Nogueras<\/a>‘ songs. In our conversation with the singer-songwriter, producer, and author, we talked about the fact that although the tradition of the “parrandas<\/em>” is in decline, it will likely prevail.<\/p>\n

“Las Parrandas”<\/em>; Tradition in Decline<\/h3>\n

The rows of cars with flashing blinkers indicating a “parranda<\/em>” is on the way are hardly seen anymore. You don’t see neighbors and relatives gathering and singing in the street as they take the “parranda” from house to house. You don’t even hear “parrandas<\/em>” being brought to the neighbors. Nor are there people commenting in the office that they hardly got any sleep because they gave or received a “parranda<\/em>“.<\/p>\n

I explained to Nogueras that for the younger generations, talking about “parrandas<\/em>” is like talking to them about analog rotary disc telephones.<\/p>\n

Note: in “Is Asalto Navide\u00f1o A Dying Tradition?<\/a>” I explain why I think they are in decline.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reasons for the “Parrandas<\/em>” Decline<\/h3>\n
\"Jos\u00e9
The Mayag\u00fcez-born singer-songwriter mentions sectors of the island where “parrandas<\/em>” are still alive and is optimistic that the tradition will prevail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While speaking with the maestro, I shared my belief that the reason for the decline in this tradition is due to the social changes of the last two or three decades.<\/p>\n

The increase in crime led many Puerto Ricans to live in gated communities. The police also conducted aggressive campaigns against drunk driving.<\/p>\n

These and other social changes were gradually digging a pit for this beautiful tradition.<\/p>\n

“Parrandas<\/em>” Will Prevail<\/h3>\n

Nogueras patiently listened to my explanation and although he concedes some points, he says that the tradition is still alive.<\/p>\n

He delivers his response as if he were a painter. First, he draws a sketch of the spirit of the “parrandas<\/em>” and then adds some colors by describing how to keep them alive. He then embellishes the picture with an explanation of how the spirit of the “parrandas<\/em>” continues to manifest itself in different ways.<\/p>\n