CEBU CITY – The Cebu Lechon Festival 2023 is underway at Megaworld Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

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ROASTED pig or 'lechon' is the star of the Cebu Lechon Festival 2023 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. (Juan Carlo de Vela)

Over 10 skilled “lechoneros” gathered for the three-day annual event that celebrates the renowned pork dish known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavors.

Taking place for the sixth time at Mactan Alfresco, the Cebu Lechon Festival from August 18 to August 21 highlights Cebu's culinary pride by showcasing the historical significance, unique flavors, and cooking methods associated with the dish.

Notable lechon houses like Ayer's, Rico's, and CNT from across Cebu province joined, providing visitors with a diverse range of lechon varieties.

In addition to savoring the best Cebu Lechon, festival-goers immersed themselves in Cebuano culture through activities like A Roast to Remember, where chefs crafted whole pigs into delectable masterpieces in a live roasting session.

The Pork Party lechon food park showcased various lechon varieties and the Royalty of the Roast featured a grand parade with elaborate floats and lechon centerpieces.

Visitors also enjoyed dance performances reflecting the city's heritage, history, and values during Waves of Tradition. Local bands serenaded attendees with soulful tunes in the Lechon and Listen segment.

Thesbe Alonso, Cebu general manager at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, said the festival put the spotlight on Cebu's lechon-makers and shared the vibrant Cebuano culture with tourists.

Apart from Mactan Alfresco, The Mactan Newtown boasts residential condo units, office spaces, and academic facilities.
The township also features two Megaworld Hotels and Resorts properties – Savoy Hotel Mactan and Belmont Hotel Mactan.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the retail and commercial arm of Megaworld Corp., organized the event. Their portfolio includes various lifestyle malls across the Philippines.

Juan Carlo S. De Vela

Cebu lechon festival underway in Lapu-Lapu City