Celebrate Cebu’s Culinary Pride at the Cebu Lechon Festival 2025
From August 7 to 17, 2025, the Cebu Lechon Festival returns for its biggest edition yet at The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City. This 10-day food and culture extravaganza highlights the country’s most iconic dish, Cebu lechon, through live competitions, roasting showcases, a bustling lechon fair, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re a devoted lechon lover, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a vibrant community festival, the Cebu Lechon Festival promises an unforgettable experience packed with flavor, tradition, and fun.
Festival Highlights You Can’t Miss
Chef Wars (August 7)
Top chefs and culinary icons battle it out in a high-stakes cook-off, including:
- Chef Paolo Aviso (Belmont Hotel)
- Chef Coke Semblante (Savoy Hotel)
- Henry Cui (Apo ni Bebie’s Lechon, Cebu’s Best Lechonero)
- Food content creator Jujumao
A celebration of skill and Cebuano flavors, this showdown kicks off the festival with a bang.
Cebu’s Best Lechonero 2025 (August 8)
The ultimate competition for Cebu’s finest lechon masters. Expect crispy skin, flavorful marinades, and perfectly roasted pork as lechoneros vie for the coveted crown.
Culinary School Showdown (August 8)
Up-and-coming culinary students present three-course menus centered on lechon, blending tradition with innovation.
Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars (August 10)
Student chefs transform leftover lechon into creative versions of the beloved lechon paksiw. Festivalgoers also get to vote for Cebu’s Favorite Paksiw 2025.
🔥 Live Lechon Roasting (August 7–17)
See lechon masters in action with daily roasting demonstrations, from slow turning over open flames to the perfect golden-brown crisp.
Lechon for Little Artists (August 7–17)
- First 200 kids with ₱1,500 worth of receipts can claim a Paint My Lechon Kit
- Lechon Mascot sightings (Aug 8–17) for family photo ops
- 3D Lechon Art Exhibition with giant pig sculptures and fun installations
Lechon Fair & Pairing Station (August 7–17)
The Mactan Alfresco transforms into a lechon lover’s paradise, featuring:
- Lechon from Cebu’s top towns: Carcar, Talisay, Liloan, and Cebu City
- Specialty roasts from renowned lechoneros
- Craft beers, mocktails, and refreshing chasers at the Pairing Station
Plus local crafts, lifestyle finds, and a lively festival market atmosphere.
Live music from local bands on August 10 and 15–17, adding festive vibes to every evening feast.
A Feast of Food, Culture, and Community
The Cebu Lechon Festival 2025 at The Mactan Newtown is more than just food—it’s a celebration of Cebuano culture, creativity, and community spirit. With culinary battles, family-friendly fun, art exhibits, and nonstop entertainment, this year’s festival promises a bigger, bolder, and crispier experience.
📅 When: August 7–17, 2025
📍 Where: The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
👉 Stay tuned for full schedules and updates at:
Get ready to indulge, celebrate, and experience the best of Cebuano lechon this 2025!