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In the
Philippines, it is not unusual for lechon or whole roast
pig to grace any Filipino fiesta table. Parada ng Lechon
is a parade of golden-red and crispy roasted pigs. The
delicious aroma of this sumptuous dish led the locals of
Balayan and Batangas to commemorate the feast of St.
John, their patron saint on 24 June with the presence of
the delectable, crispy lechon.
On the event day , a mass is held at the Immaculate
Conception Church. After the mass, at least, 50 lechons
are gathered in anticipation of the celebration. The
parade proceeds after the holding of blessing of the
pigs and people in St. Johns' name. At this celebration,
one can witness a hilarious sight when the roast pigs
are dressed according to the theme of the participating
social organizations. Some of the lechon are dressed in
wigs, sunglasses, raincoats, or whatever the decorators
fancy. After the fiesta, the lechons are then brought
back to their respective club headquarters or home for
yet another celebration of drinking and feasting. As for
those who believe in the spirit of sharing, they will
gracefully give away their prized lechons to the crowd
of audience.
Since the Lechon Parade coincides with the feast of St.
John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people
observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism -
pouring water. The water-dousing funfare officially ends
at 12:00 noon, but nevertheless, some folks usually
extends the merriment up to the wee hours of the next
day. |
