Ilonggos and spectators for the 2026 Paraw Regatta will not only feast their eyes on colorful sailboats but will also savor Iloilo City’s Best Tasting Lechon.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Inc. chair John Lex Bayombong on Wednesday said they expect around 12 to 15 competing and non-competing entries this year.

On March 1, the roasted pigs will be paraded from Breakthrough Restaurant to the judging area in front of Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo.

After the judging, they will be served to the public for free.

“We will ensure that our spectators will have a chance to taste our lechon,” he said in an interview, although he added that they are not sure if they can provide for all since there will be thousands of spectators.

But aside from giving Ilonggos the chance to partake of the food, Bayombong said one impact of the event is the increase in clients for the winners.

“So, it is indeed their pride if they win and beneficial to our ‘lechoneros ’ because they are considered as the first choice,” he said.

It also serves as a venue to promote pork products, after African swine fever hit the city and province of Iloilo last year, he added.

The search for best tasting lechon became a popular side event after the Paraw Regatta Festival made its face-to-face comeback after the pandemic.

The Arevalo district, which hosts the annual sailing event, is popularly known for its mouth-watering roasted pig. (PNA)