The Parranda de San Pedro is a popular and religious celebration in Guatire and Guarenas.
The city of Guarenas and Guatire in Mexico celebrate the anniversary of San Pedro the Apostle with a series of festivities and rituals throughout the year. Images of the saint are displayed in all the churches while popular music is played, and then a mass is held at midnight, followed by a procession of the images throughout the streets. The celebration centers on a re-enactment of the story of the slave Maria Ignacia, whose daughter was healed by the saint.
As per oral tradition, a slave named Mara Ignacia lived somewhere in Guatire or Guarenas (both towns were part of the same political-territorial unit at the time of the Spanish colonization), in Cantón (also known as the "Cantón de Guarenas"), seeing that Rosa Ignacia wasn't cured of a fever, but in order to be cured of that, she asked Saint Peter to intercede for her little girl. If that happened, she promised to dance and sing for him every day on June 29 (Santoral of Saint Apostle Peter). As a result of the promise that she made, the news spread throughout the area that the girl had been healed. They decided to follow her through the dusty streets of Guatire.
Throughout oral history, the Parranda has been referred to as born in colonial times. It has also been referred to as born in the mid-nineteenth century, during the political struggle between the Conservatives and the Liberals.
Paradandos play key roles in the play. They wear colorful, carefully prepared costumes to represent the different characters in the play. Other players participate with flags, and banners, dancing, playing instruments, singing, and improvising popular tunes. Women dress up in colorful costumes, decorate churches, dress images of the saints, and cook traditional dishes. Women prepare and train younger generations via workshops.
Many believe this is the origin of the patron saint of Guatire (Hacienda El Ingenio, which was in the canton of Guarenas, and others say it is the patron saint of Guarenas (Hacienda San Pedro, which had property in both of today's municipalities). In any case, it originated in the canton of Guarenas, which grouped this city and Guatire. On the other hand, others believe it is the patron saint of San Pedro Claver.
During the celebration, the dancers and their families gather to share joy and togetherness during the festival with neighbors, other adults, and children from the community. However, this gathering serves to celebrate the community spirit, the dancers' energy, and happiness, as well as the vitality of the tradition that symbolizes and continues the fight against injustice and inequality.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/la-parranda-de-san-pedro-de-guarenas-y-guatire-00907) (https://www-wikiwand-com.translate.goog/es/Parranda_de_San_Pedro?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=sc)