As the summer approaches quickly, everyone starts to think about grilling season, but, BBQs are not the only food that can be cooked and enjoyed outside. Pig roasting has been a tradition for many celebrations all over the world for centuries. From Hawaii to the Philippines, pig roasts are a fun way to bring people together and enjoy a delicious meal. Here are just a few examples of how different parts of the world use pig roasts to celebrate:

Miami

With the warm weather all year round, many people of Cuban, Honduran, Puerto Rican or Caribbean descent hold a pig roast on Christmas Eve. They invite family and friends over for a big celebration.

Hawaii

People from this island adopted their pig roasting traditions from Polynesian culture. They will lay out fresh fruit, colourful flowers and have sides of rice and sweet potatoes to accompany the roast pig. This type of large celebration is typically reserved for memorial day and luaus where island music is played, people dress in colourful, patterned attire and Hawaiian punch is served.

Puerto Rico

Roasted suckling pig, also called Lechon Asado, is the national dish of Puerto Rico and is usually served with peas and rice. Pig roasts are typically held during Christmas and New Years celebrations but are also hosted throughout the year as well.

Philippines

Pig roasts, or Lechon Baboy as it is known here, are traditionally prepared for Christmas celebrations. Although, it is not uncommon to see them for weddings, family reunions and birthday parties.

Bali

Called Babi Guling, pig roasts in Bali are usually served with mixed vegetables, ground meat mixed with herbs and spices, steamed rice and coconut. Roasted pig is one of the most common menu items you will see at a Balinese restaurant.

Indonesia

Since the majority of the country is Muslim, there are not many pig roasts, or Babi Gulings as they are called, in Indonesia. Some areas with smaller Muslim populations still host them such as in North Sumatra, North Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi where more Christians and Hindus live.

Batak

It is tradition to host a pig roast here for the bride’s family as a kind gesture before the wedding.

China

Pig roasts, also known as Siu Yuk, are particularly common in southern China. There, people host them to celebrate the opening of a new business or as an offering for a spiritual event. It is commonly garnished with a cherry and a slice of pineapple to make it look more appealing and sometimes put in a red box for good luck.

Papua

Both pigs and yams are roasted over heated stones that fill a hole covered with leaves. This type of cooking is called Baker Batu (stone burning) and is considered a significant social and cultural event in this country.

Spain

Known as Lechon Asado or suckling pig in this country, roast pigs are becoming more popular in southern Spain because of the growing number of expats that live there.

UK

Pig roasts are the centerpiece in many celebrations held in the United Kingdom, which is why it is no surprise that they have made their way over to North America. The pig is usually put on a spit so that it can be turned over a flame and then placed on a large roasting pan. It is not uncommon for these pigs to weigh more than 200lbs.

Living in as diverse of a country as Canada means you are bound to know someone or at least have heard of a pig roast. It can be a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion. Call Pig Roast Catering to make sure your event is fun and tasty for everyone, no matter what you are celebrating.