In Puerto Rican Christmas tradition, roaming musical celebrations that visit homes late at night are called parrandas.
A parranda is a festive group performance involving singing, instruments and visits to friends’ or relatives’ homes. The group may begin outside a house at night, waking the occupants with Christmas music. The hosts then join the celebration or offer food and drinks before the group moves onward.
Parrandas are closely connected with Puerto Rican Christmas music and community life. Instruments can include guitars, cuatro, güiro and maracas, while songs may be traditional aguinaldos. The custom is often energetic, social and informal rather than a quiet carol service.
Parrandas are sometimes compared with caroling, but the Puerto Rican tradition is more specifically a traveling celebration that can grow as people join the group. The term may also refer to the music and the gathering itself.