The Toronto Lechon Fiesta 2017 is a grand and colourful event that will bring the traditional Filipino Fiesta to the area in ways that will transport the visitor to the Philippines. It will be a showcase of Filipino culture that aims to strengthen the ties that bind Filipino-Canadians with the whole community.

1. 2o 71
TORONTO

2. Lechon, that succulent roast pig famously endorsed
by author/food writer and chef/TV personality
Anthony Bourdain as being “the best pig ever”, is
undoubtedly one of the enduring Filipino cuisine
favourites. A staple of fiestas and other special
occasions, the presence of a golden-crisp, coal-
roasted pig with an apple stuffed into its mouth
completes family and community gatherings.
While the term “lechon” originally refers to roasted
suckling pig, in the Philippines, the word has been
used to describe chicken or whole cows cooked
the same way. In fact, another popular lechon dish
is the”lechon manok”, or roast chicken. And then
there is the “lechon kawali”, a deep fried pork dish
that evokes the taste and crispness of lechon.
A lechon festival featuring lechon in all its forms
celebrates the unique dimensions of this famous
dish while evoking memories of home for thousands
of Filipino-Canadians who live in the area. It will also
bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Filipino
culture to the Surrey community in a way that only
Filipinos can.
why
Lechon?

3. COMMUNITY
Filipino
POPULATION
CANADA
ONTARIO
TORONTO
Filipino-Canadians are the
third-largest Asian Canadian group
in the nation after the Indian and
Chinese communities
700,000
296,000
200,000

4. The Toronto Lechon Fiesta 2017 is a grand and colourful event
that will bring the traditional Filipino Fiesta to the area in ways that
will transport the visitor to the Philippines. It will be a showcase of
Filipino culture that aims to strengthen the ties that bind Filipino-
Canadians with the whole community.
The centrepiece of the fiesta, the “star of the show”, so to speak,
will be the lechon in several forms – from whole roast pig to lechon
manok and the humble yet succulent lechon kawali. Competitions
involving various preparations of the dish will be held, along with
cooking demonstrations, folk dances, arts and music.
1. To bring the Toronto community together in a grand celebration of
culture, food and fellowship
2. To bolster involvement of various stakeholders in the community
through opportunities for volunteerism and participation in different
activities related to the event
3. To foster pride in the Filipino culture while successfully adapting to
and assimilating the culture of Canada
4. To showcase lechon as being more than just “a whole roasted pig.”
5. To promote tourism and local business.
About the
OUR OBJECTIVES
Festival

5. FESTIVAL PLAN OUTLINE Part A - ACTIVITES
A.6 - EVENT PROPER
a. Philippine Fiesta Pavilion: main exhibit area designed and re-created from typical Philippine countryside scenery that includes nipa
hut/s, bamboo structures, “sari-sari” stores, rice fields and animals.
b. Lechon Lane: A small street setup of lechon stalls, “Filipinized” design. Whole roasted pigs and lechon manok are displayed for free-
tasting and sale.
c. Carinderia Alley: The “carinderia” is a small eatery usually find by the side of roads. Such establishments offer prepared food served
fast-food style. Customers simply point to the items they want to eat, thus, earning the carinderia its common monicker, “turo-turo”, literally,
“point-point.”
d. Lechon Cooking Class: Local Filipino-Canadian chefs will share recipes that include preparation and cooking of whole “pork lechon,
lechon manok, lechon kawali” and other recipes that use lechon such as “lechon paksiw.”
e. Kitchen Battles: a contest that uses lechon as the main ingredient or component
f. Music and Entertainment Stage: a showcase of traditional and modern Filipino dance and music. Special highlights include audience
participation and a singing contest.
g. Raffle draw: a raffle for prizes shall be held. Prizes will include items from the Philippines such as mini-jeepneys, handicrafts and free
meals within the pavilion.
h. Art/ Painting Auction: Veteran artists from Philippine Artists Group to showcase/auction their paintings. Proceeds will go to charitable
institutions tentatively Philippines.
ACTIVITIES