Google often adds an interactive image or video to its logo to commemorate a specific day, event, achievement or person.
It’s called the Google Doodle, and it’s a special, temporary change that only lasts for 24 hours, until that special event ends.
Today’s doodle is an incredible video honoring something called a steel pan, but it’s confusing a lot of Google users.
What is a steel pan? And why is it celebrated today? Read on to find out…
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What is a steel pan?
The Google Doodle on Tuesday, July 26 celebrates a musical instrument called the çelikpan.
Also known as a pan or steel drum, the acoustic instrument originated in Trinidad and Tobago and looks like a large silver metal drum on a stand.
The steel roof is made from 55-gallon industrial drums, which are used to transport goods. It was invented in the 20th century, but has origins dating back to the 1700s.
It is played using a pair of straight sticks with rubber tips on the end – and some advanced musicians use four sticks, holding two in each hand!
The steel pan is often played in groups known as a steel orchestra and is the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago.
Why is Google celebrating the instrument?
Google is celebrating the steel ceiling on July 26, because on this day in 1951, the Trinidad All Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) performed at the Festival of Britain.
This was a defining moment as it introduced steel to the world as well as a whole new genre of music.
Today’s Doodle, titled “Celebrated Steelpan,” is an incredible cartoon video produced in a sepia tone that celebrates the popular instrument.
In the clip, which also celebrates the culture and history of Trinidad & Tobago, people can be seen playing pans in a group.
“Today’s Doodle celebrated the steel pan, a metal percussion instrument created and influenced by Trinbagonians,” Google said.
Welded Africans were sent to Trinidad in the 1700s and brought with them their drumming traditions, which soon became a large part of the country’s culture.
For decades, it has been a staple of the Trinidadian Carnival and Canboulay, the annual festival celebrated throughout the country.
Illustrated by Trinidad & Tobago based artist Nicholas Huggins
The steel video is illustrated by artist Nicholas Huggins, who is from Trinidad and Tobago.
Miami musician Etienne Charles composed the music with frontman Lennox ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe, and both collaborators are extremely passionate about their work on Google Doodle.
“I hope people can take away a sense of the industriousness and creativity of the people of Trinidad & Tobago,” said Nicolas.
“We are a small country on the global stage, but the fact that we have given the world such a beautiful instrument is something to be reckoned with.”
Etienne added that he wants people to “feel the magic in the pan” which is a symbol of “community, artistic excellence and scientific innovation”.
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