Lechon, a Spanish word referring to a roasted suckling pig, is a Filipino symbol for celebration and gathering. In almost all fiestas or private parties, lechón is always the centerpiece of all the delicious menu served to the guests.
Aside from our country, it is a popular food in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, other Spanish-speaking nations in Latin America, and Spain.
Since the country has been influenced by Spaniards for more than 300 hundred years, the dish features a whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal.
As Antique is gearing to be the preferred destination for eco-adventure in Panay Island and the booming of its farm tourism sites all around the province, “we wanted to create a unique dish that would represent our province,” said Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao.
On October 27, 2019, the Antique Eco-Tourism Association in partnership with the Antique Provincial Tourism Office will have #Namit: The Karay-a Kulinarya Cooking Challenge.
“This is a good venue to all cooks and chefs of the various resort, hotels, restaurants and catering in the Province to showcase their signature dishes sourced from the river or using native chicken or native pork. Usually when they visit our accommodation establishments and attractions, tourists will always ask what food we have to offer from Antique,” said Flord Nicson Calawag, Festival Director and owner of Calawag Mountain Resort.
Aside from Karay-a dishes, the main highlight of the Northern Antique River Festival 2019 is the boodle lunch showcasing the native lechon prepared by the Provincial Government.
“We are launching Antique as the Native Lechon Capital of the Philippines. Because of our highlands, it is easy for us to raise native pigs and advocate for a healthy, organic and delicious meat to our locals and tourists,” Cadiao added.
