Foods. For Fiesta Celebration

Celebrating St. Isidore A Feast to Remember

Every May 15, 16 we Celebrate St. Isidore's feast day is an event close to my heart. As the patron saint of farmers and laborers, St. Isidore's day is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the land, a theme that resonates deeply in our agricultural community. This year, our celebration was a culinary showcase of tradition, love, and gratitude, with food preparation being the highlight of the festivities.
Creating a menu for St. Isidore's feast involves a careful balance of traditional dishes and family favorites. Here's a glimpse into what we prepared:
Lechon (Roast Pig)The star of our fiesta, a whole pig roasted to perfection, symbolizes abundance and festivity.
Pancit , Fried chiken ,Dinuguan ,Humba,Menudo
With Fruit Salad for the dessert, we served this refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, and milk and water melon .
With our menu planned, the next step was sourcing the freshest ingredients. Early morning trips to the local market are essential to get the best produce, seafood, and meat. For the lechon, we selected a local pig farm known for its high-quality, free-range pork.
Preparing the lechon started the night before the fiesta. The pig was marinated with a blend of lemongrass, garlic, salt, and pepper. Early the next morning, it was roasted over an open flame, a process that took several hours. Constant turning ensured an even, crispy skin and juicy meat.
The pancit required precise timing. We cooked the noodles separately, then mixed them with a savory sauce made from shrimp broth and annatto oil. The seafood and vegetables were prepared and added last, just before serving, to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
By mid-afternoon, the house was filled with the aromas of our labor. Family, friends and my co-workers gathered at home for lunch. The highlight was, of course, the moment the lechon was brought out, its crispy skin glistening and enticing everyone.
Before we began eating, we held a brief ceremony to honor St. Isidore, thanking him for the bountiful harvest and the opportunity to come together as a community. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the deeper meaning behind the feast.