Musicians bring joy to nursing home residents with festive Spanish songs

In the midst of the holiday season, a unique event unfolded as Dorothy Santana led the adapted tradition of Parranda Navideña in Long Island, New York. Originating from Puerto Rico, the Parranda involves visiting homes with music and merriment to celebrate Christmas, but this particular rendition, styled 'with a twist,' notably occurs during the daytime instead of late at night. This year's event launched on Saturday morning in Brentwood, commencing the day-long tour at the Ross Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, where several dozen volunteers gathered to partake in the festivities. The motivation behind the Parranda Navideña is rooted in community enrichment, as Santana saw a gap in holiday charitable activities that typically focus on children, often overlooking their older siblings or relatives. By generating thousands of dollars in gift card donations over the years, the event addresses this issue, ensuring that not only the young are remembered but all members of the family during the holiday season. The proceeds from this year’s celebration will be distributed by the Puerto Rican Coalition and New Hour, an organization that assists currently and formerly incarcerated women and their families. Participants included musicians and volunteers who serenaded residents at the nursing home with traditional Spanish songs, bringing joy and cultural expression to older Long Islanders. The celebration included traveling through hallways to interact with residents still in their rooms to ensure everyone felt included in the festivities. The atmosphere was lively, featuring various instruments, including a shekere, which added a vibrant rhythm to the celebration. Notably, the participation and energetic embracing of this tradition helped revive cultural connections and introduce local children to the essence of Puerto Rican holiday customs. The event also attracted curious neighbors who joined in the celebration, indicating a shared sense of community and openness to new experiences. Candido Crespo, the president of the Puerto Rican Coalition, expressed that each-year's event often feels unique due to the involvement of the community, showcasing how cultural traditions can foster unity and joy among diverse groups during the festive season.