🇹🇹 Trini Traditions
What is parang?
A traditional Trinidadian Christmas music
Name one instrument used in parang.
Guitar, maracas, or cuatro.
Name one foods eaten at Christmas.
Ham, pastelles, black cake, macaroni pie, sweetbread.
Who were the main characters?
Jamal, Maya, and their parents.
What kind act did Jamal’s family do?
They visited and shared food with their elderly neighbor, Miss Doreen.
What is sorrel made from?
A red flower boiled with spices, ginger, and sugar to make a sweet Christmas drink.
What is a cuatro?
A small four-stringed guitar used in parang music.
What sweet drink do people serve?
Sorrel
What did Jamal do with the band?
He played with them
Why is sharing important?
It spreads happiness and reminds us that giving is more meaningful than receiving.
Why do Trinis clean before Christmas?
It’s tradition to welcome the season with a fresh, clean home — called “Christmas cleaning.”
In what languages do people sing parang songs?
English and Spanish.
What dessert contains rum and dried fruits?
Black cake.
What gift did they give Miss Doreen?
A basket of food and a handmade card.
What makes people happy at Christmas?
Spending time with family, food, music, and kindness.
What is a pastelle wrapped in?
Banana leaves.
What is parang soca?
A modern version of parang mixed with soca beats.
What food is shared with visitors?
Pastelles, sweetbread, or slices of ham.
What was Jamal’s father’s message?
What Trini christmas is about
How can you show kindness to others?
Visit someone lonely, share food, or give small gifts.
What makes Trini Christmas unique?
It mixes Caribbean warmth, food, and parang music — no snow, just joy and community.
Name one famous parang song or artist.
“Alegría, Alegría”, "eat something before you go"
What meal do people eat for breakfast on Christmas morning?
Ham, cocoa tea, or homemade bread.
Where did the family go in the evening?
To see the Christmas lights on San Fernando Hill.
Make a Christmas wish for your class or family.
Open-ended — e.g., “I wish everyone happiness and love this Christmas.”