[2] Parrandas are social events that feature traditional Puerto Rican music, food, and drinks.
They reportedly generate a sense of Puerto Ricanness, unity and camaraderie among both those bringing the music as well as the targeted families receiving it.
[8] One form how the event occurs is most traditionally as follows: A group of friends of the homeowner, musical instruments in hand, arrives at their target house sometime after 10 PM and then, quietly, make their way to the porch or as close to it as possible.
The parranda leader (generally, their musical director) signals everyone to start playing their instruments and singing.
The music and singing surprises the sleeping dwellers who get up, turns on the inside and outside lights and invites the "parranderos" into the house.