There is no denying that the Cebu Lechon is the best and most delicious there is, and that no trip to the Queen City of the South will be complete without taking a bite of its famed crunchy golden brown skin, and juicy, tender, and flavorsome meat.
The world-famous Cebu Lechon, along with the rich history, artistry, and skills that go into preparing it, is the highlight of this year’s Cebu Lechon Festival, spearheaded by The Mactan Newtown, in partnership with the City Government of Lapu-Lapu and the Department of Tourism Region 7.
Now on its third year, the annual gastronomic and cultural celebration promises an authentic Cebuano fiesta experience with its mouthwatering array of lechon varieties from lechon-makers coming from different parts of Cebu province and a vibrant host of cultural spectacles and performances starting today until August 11.
Lechon options in one location
The Cebu Lechon Festival gathers some of the popular lechon-makers in Cebu, together with “backyard” lechon makers, making a variety of lechon options available. Guests will have the rare chance to sample and savor mouthwatering varieties of the Cebu Lechon at the 500-seater Mactan Alfresco inside The Mactan Newtown.
10 lechon brands will be participating in this year’s festival including House of Lechon, Ayer’s Lechon, Rico’s Lechon, Pelyn’s Lechon, Augustus Lechon, Golden Cowrie, Cebu Lechon Belly, Yobob Lechon, and Jojo and Mikay’s Lechon, among others.
During the festival, the lechon will be sold between P400-P600 per kilo from participating lechon makers.
Lechon immersion
Festival-goers can also immerse themselves through the entire lechon preparation process at Mactan Alfresco’s very own Lechon Pit. Here, they can witness lechon-makers perfect their craft and see firsthand how a lechon is made – from seasoning to roasting at the coal pit, to portioning and serving on their own plates.
For an even more unique and immersive dining experience, guests can devour their lechon and chosen lechon dishes and pairings inside the comforts of colorful and iconic Philippine jeepneys stationed within the Mactan Alfresco complex.
An authentic Cebuano fiesta
Festival goers can enjoy various Cebuano and lechon-flavored activities highlighted by the Lechon Exhibit on August 9, which will feature delicious varieities of Cebu lechon from the province’s best lechon makers.
A colorful grand street performance to be participated in by various cultural dance groups, street dancers, marching bands, and the Sinulog Festival Queen, is one of the key events to watch out for.
A traditional boodle fight featuring participants from the annual Ironman 70.3 Philippines and lechon sellers will also be held on August 9, following the street performance, while live musical performances and a grand fireworks display will cap off the festivities.
The highlights of the celebration will happen on August 9-11 to coincide with the Ironman weekend. It will feature a Lechon Fest Grand Party, where guests can feast on different varieties of Cebu lechon, grilled meat, and seafood while being treated to cultural dance numbers and live performances from buskers, local bands and stand-up comedians.