The Sumptuous Lechon Festival in Iloilo

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LECHON FESTIVAL

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/07/balasans-savory-lechon-festival-turns-8.html

When it comes to lechon (roast suckling pig), there is no place in Iloilo that takes it as seriously as the folks in Balasan. The annual Lechon Festival is a celebration of food, culture and community, making it truly one of Iloilo’s most unique festivals.

As a kick-off to their Religious Fiesta celebration in honour of their patron, Sta. Ana, every 24th of July, residents of this town gathers on the main street fronting the municipal hall to share a sumptuous feast, the culinary centerpiece is the most revered of all Filipino food, the mouth-watering and flavourful lechon.

The highlight of this theme-based festival is a mischievous merriment through a no-holds-barred boodle fight open to everybody. By the time the boodle fight starts at noon, the skin will be crispy, with some fat and super tender roast meat. The sumptuous buffet features a whole pig on display. People just sidle up to the table and pluck off whatever they want. When lunch is over, there is nothing but a few bones. Boodle feast bring the community even closer together.

The festival has fostered cooperation between the barangay officials and the residents. Read More: http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/tourism/lechon-festival/

Photo from: http://www.scoopnest.com/user/ABSCBNNews/756621366497902593

The festival is considered as one of the provinces’ ultimate fiesta experiences that we should not miss.

Early in the morning, the atmosphere in the poblacion streets is already filled with delight as passersby can smell the tangy aroma of roasted suckling pig. They line one after the other as bright orange dip sauce of sweet and sour taste is applied regularly on the crackling skin.

Balasan’s lechon is best known for its tasty, tender meat and crispy skin, probably among the best and most delicious in the entire province

Considered to be our national dish, lechon is of Spanish origin. And for former colonies of Spain it is a celebratory dish, a star on the table prepared especially for important occasions such as grand family events, birthdays and fiestas. Read More: https://thedailyguardian.net/life-style/balasans-savory-lechon-festival-turns-8/

Photo from: http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/07/23/16/silipin-lechon-festival-ng-iloilo