Osceola County District 2 County Commissioner Viviana Janer hosted the 5th Annual Parranda (Party) with Santa on Saturday December 15th. For those of you who may not have experienced a Parranda, it’s a musical festival  played in various Caribbean countries including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad and many others that celebrates the Christmas holiday season.

Traditional Christmas caroling takes place, but the contents of the
songs are more secular than they are religious and usually includes musical instruments such as Guitars, Cuatros, Tambourines, Maracas, Palitos, and Guiros.

The Parranda held at the Robert Guevara Community Center in the heart of Buenaventura Lakes included a wonderfully energetic a Disc Jockey that
entertained the very large crowd with the sounds of the season.

Most Parranda’s traditionally takes place during the night, but this one got underway just before sundown.

Upon arrival, guests were treated to sandwiches, sweets, and other refreshments adding the welcoming, community-feel of the event.

One of the evening’s sponsors, Wild Florida, came with a Florida alligator for guests to hold and take pictures with which really added some special flair to the evening!  While music continued to entertain everyone in attendance guests enjoyed hayrides that was provided by the always community-minded Kissimmee Utility Authority and stilt-walking balloon artists that kept the children entertained who were anxiously waiting in line for their turn to select a present of their choice. There were gifts there for kids of all ages at the Community Center which was beautifully decorated along with the park and playground which added to the spirit of Christmas.

Now, what would a Parranda be without good old St. Nick? That’s right, Papa Noel, San Nicolas, Viejito Pascuero, and Colacho. These are all ways to say Santa Claus in Spanish, but did in Puerto Rico, Mexico and even the Dominican Republic they just say Santa.

Santa made his appearance to the Parranda about an hour into the event leading to a frenzy of photos being taken, and that included Commissioner Janer was even spotted with the Jolly guy himself! Osceola County Commissioner said, “Parranda with Santa is a fun-filled event that brings the community together, it is an honor to be able to do this for my constituents for the past 5 years!

If you were unable to attend this year’s Parranda with Santa event at the Robert Guevara Community Center, hosted by Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, make sure to stop by next year. It was an extremely popular event and definitely made a Positive Difference in Osceola County!