Lechon Festival (Parade of Roasted Suckling Pigs )

Name: Lechon Festival (Parade of Roasted Suckling Pigs )
Start: 2025-06-23
Location: Balayan

A Carnival of Aroma and Smiles in Balayan

2025/06/23

Every June 24, the town of Balayan in Batangas, Philippines, is enveloped in the savory aroma of roast pork and the sound of laughter during the Parade of Roasted Suckling Pigs (Parada ng Lechon). Golden, perfectly roasted lechon (suckling pigs) dressed in unique costumes parade through the streets—a sight to behold. The crackling of crispy skin, the scent of charcoal, lively music, and joyful faces make this festival a feast for all the senses, whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable Balayan experience.

This one-of-a-kind event is held every year on St. John’s Day (June 24), bringing together locals and visitors in a fusion of religious tradition, culinary celebration, and wild street party.

Main Attractions

Lechon Parade

The highlight is, of course, the Lechon Parade. Whole roasted pigs, skewered on bamboo poles, are dressed in a variety of costumes—superheroes, brides, celebrities—and paraded through the town. The glistening, crispy skin, smoky aroma, and rows of roasted pigs draw cheers and camera flashes from the crowd. At the end of the parade, even the lechon are doused with water, adding to the excitement of the St. John’s Day water-splashing tradition.

Key Events

Beyond the parade, there’s street dancing, live bands, wild water fights (with both people and lechon getting soaked!), costume contests, lechon tasting competitions, and religious processions. The whole town bursts with color, music, and laughter, and spontaneous parties spring up everywhere.

Costumes and Decorations

Lechon are dressed in costumes ranging from traditional attire to pop culture icons, some even sporting sunglasses, hats, or umbrellas. Locals wear festival T-shirts, hats, and raincoats to prepare for the water fights. Homes and streets are decorated with colorful banners, streamers, and flowers, while the tactile crunch of lechon skin, splashes of water, and the sweet-savory aroma of barbecue sauce stimulate all the senses.

Traditional Food & Drink

The star is, of course, the lechon—slow-roasted over charcoal until the skin is crispy and the meat juicy. Slices are served with liver sauce or vinegar, alongside rice, pancit (noodles), bibingka (rice cake), and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert). The aroma of roast pork and coconut desserts fills the air, making everyone hungry.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of the Parade of Roasted Suckling Pigs (Parada ng Lechon) dates back to the 16th-century Spanish colonial era. Lechon, introduced by the Spaniards, became a symbol of feasting and celebration throughout the Philippines, and in Balayan, it became a source of local pride. The people of Balayan began holding a festival centered on lechon during the feast of their Catholic patron saint, St. John (San Juan), on June 24, as a symbol of gratitude and abundance.

A unique feature of this festival is the decoration of lechon with colorful costumes and props for the parade. This goes beyond a simple food celebration, expressing creativity, local humor, and community unity. Inspired by St. John’s Day, the tradition of water dousing among participants and spectators also took root—symbolizing baptism, purification, and new beginnings, as well as offering a refreshing break from the summer heat.

Blending history and culture, today’s Parade of Roasted Suckling Pigs has become Balayan’s biggest event, celebrating religious gratitude, food culture, and community pride. Families, relatives, and friends gather to share lechon, laugh together, and unite the whole town in a tradition passed down through generations.

Participant Voices

I joined for the first time and was amazed by the creativity of the lechon costumes! There were pigs dressed as movie characters and even as brides. Locals invited me to their feast, and the crispy lechon skin was the best I’ve ever tasted. The water fight was wild—I borrowed a raincoat from a kind auntie.

Fun Facts

Over 100 lechon, each with a unique costume, appear in the parade every year.
The water-splashing tradition is believed to ward off bad luck and bring blessings.
Balayan’s lechon is famous for its extra-crispy skin and secret marinades.
Some families spend weeks creating costumes for their lechon.
After the parade, everyone shares the lechon at a communal feast called “salu-salo.”