CEBU, Philippines — Megaworld’s The Mactan Newtown will host the 10th Cebu Lechon Festival from Aug. 6 to 31, bringing together local governments, lechon producers and culinary professionals in a month-long event aimed at promoting one of Cebu’s best-known food products and boosting tourism in the province.
Organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cebu, the annual festival highlights the province’s lechon industry by showcasing traditional roasting techniques, family recipes and the craftsmanship of local lechoneros, while providing a platform for participating municipalities to promote their culinary heritage.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the Great Cebu Lechon Market, which will run from Aug. 7 to 9 at the Mactan Alfresco. Ten cities and municipalities—Barili, Medellin, Alcoy, Argao, Carcar City, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Talisay City, Consolacion and Samboan—will showcase their signature roasted pig, with host city Lapu-Lapu also participating.
Organizers said the event will allow visitors to sample the different flavors, seasonings and roasting traditions found across Cebu.
The festival will also feature a series of culinary competitions designed to showcase Cebuano talent.
These include Cebu’s Best Lechonero on Aug. 7, the Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars and a Lechon Chef Cook-Off between chefs from Savoy Hotel and Mercure Hotel Cebu on Aug. 8, and the Culinary Showdown on Aug. 9, where professional and aspiring chefs will prepare original lechon-inspired dishes.
Additional activities include a children’s “Paint My Lechon” activity, a lechon eating competition and the Lechon Fest Street Party, which will serve as a post-race celebration for participants and visitors attending the IRONMAN 70.3 event.
A month-long food fair along Mactan Newtown Road will also feature local delicacies and regional specialties.
Now in its 10th year, the Cebu Lechon Festival has become one of the province’s signature food tourism events, celebrating Cebu’s iconic roast while supporting local producers and reinforcing the province’s reputation as a culinary destination.
Business News Asia
