Harlem's Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association – MMPCIA Holiday Auction 2012
Auction Ends: Dec 12, 2012 10:00 PM EST

Art

Two Christmas Themed Paintings by Lizette Cruz

Item Number
161
Estimated Value
200 USD
Sold
60 USD to Live Event Bidder

Live Event Item

After the online close, this item went to a Live Event for further bidding.

Item Description

"Navidad en Maricao" and "Parranda!" by Lizette Cruz

Puerto Ricans are known for their unforgettable "parrandas or trullas navideñas". A parranda is when a small group of friends gathers together to "asaltar" or surprise another friend. It's the Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling. Most parranderos play some sort of
instrument, either guitarras, tamboriles, güiro maracas, or palitos. And they
all sing. A parranda tends to be more secular than religious however many of the
traditional aguinaldos (Puerto Rican Christmas songs) retain the holiday spirit.

The parranderos arrive at the destination and then very quietly gather by the front door. At a signal all start playing their instruments and singing. The parrandas usually begin after
10pm in order to surprise and wake the sleeping friend. The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance follow. Of course we don't surprise unsuspecting victims. The parranderos are given plenty of "hints" before hand by the homeowner that he is ready to receive a parranda.

The party goes on for an hour or two then everyone, including the owners of the house, leave to parrandear some more. The group grows as they offer their parranda at several houses during that night. At the last house probably around 3 or 4 in the morning the homeowner offers the traditional chicken soup or asopao de pollo. The party is over at dawn.

 

Item Special Note

"Navidad en Maricao" - Lithograph 26/100

"Parranda!" - Lithograph 5/85

Frames measures - 11 1/2 x 9 1/2

Artwork measures - 7 x 4 3/4

Donated By:

Humberto Cruz