The National Parang Association of Trinidad & Tobago (NPATT) is a cultural organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and continued development of parang traditions in Trinidad and Tobago.
Founded in 1971, NPATT has played an important role in supporting parang groups, organizing cultural activities, encouraging new generations of performers, and helping maintain one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive musical traditions. Through competitions, community events, educational initiatives, and seasonal celebrations, the organization has contributed to keeping parang an active part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural life.
For TuCuatro, NPATT is a significant reference organization because of the close relationship between parang music and the cuatro. While the instrument originated in Venezuela, it became deeply rooted in Trinidad and Tobago through centuries of cultural exchange, eventually becoming one of the defining instruments of the parang tradition. Today, the cuatro remains central to parang ensembles alongside maracas, guitar, box bass, and vocal performance.
NPATT’s work helps preserve not only a musical style, but also a living cultural tradition that connects communities across generations. Its activities contribute to the visibility of parang as an important expression of Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage and as part of the broader musical relationship between the Caribbean and northern South America.
As a public reference entity within TuCuatro’s cultural archive, NPATT helps document the organizations, communities, and traditions that sustain cuatro-related music beyond Venezuela. Its inclusion strengthens the understanding of how the cuatro continues to evolve across different countries, repertoires, and cultural contexts.
Key Facts
Organization: The National Parang Association of Trinidad & Tobago
Acronym: NPATT
Entity Type: Cultural Organization / NGO
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Founded: 1971
Primary Cultural Domain: Parang
Related Instruments: Cuatro, Maracas, Guitar, Box Bass
Related Traditions: Parang, Caribbean Music, Venezuelan-Caribbean Musical Exchange
Presided by: Alicia Jaggasar
Why NPATT Matters
NPATT represents an important part of the cultural ecosystem surrounding the Trinidad and Tobago cuatro tradition. By supporting performers, preserving repertoire, and promoting community participation, the organization helps ensure that parang remains a living tradition rather than a historical artifact.
Its work also highlights the remarkable journey of the cuatro across borders, demonstrating how a small stringed instrument became a central voice in one of the Caribbean’s most beloved musical traditions.
Festival in 2025
Alicia Jaggsar, President of the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago, joined the programme to share details about the upcoming Parang Festival 2025. The interview highlighted the festival’s role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural tradition of parang music. Jaggsar spoke about planned events, participating groups, and the importance of community involvement in keeping the spirit of the season alive. The festival promises vibrant performances, cultural expression, and a true celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage.
