The Porcine Pardon: Hog Named 6-7 Spared by Miami-Dade Mayor.
Although not quite at the equivalent scale as granting clemency to holiday birds, but the county's top official conducted a ceremonial pardon event this week by ceremoniously saving the life of a pig named Six Seven.
Daniella Levine Cava executed the holiday gesture at the Cuban-style Latin Cafe 2000 in the core of Miami’s iconic Little Havana neighborhood.
“The swine has done no wrong. She is worthy of this pardon. No offenses are on her docket,” declared Levine Cava in a speech with obvious nods to the sheer volume of executive clemencies issued since the beginning of a new presidential term.
“Except perhaps for eating half a dozen apples per day,” the mayor added. “I hope she experiences a lengthy and joyful existence free from concern.”
The gathering, which both honors and questions the region’s Hispanic tradition of consuming swine during the holidays, was established to mirror the annual turkey pardoning at the White House.
The swine, provided by a local firefighter, was christened after the modern linguistic fad of young people exclaiming “six seven” – originating from a hip-hop line – often seemingly at random. The craze became so pervasive that a major dictionary recently made “six-seven” its top term for the year.
A New Life
This particular pig is now destined to live out its days at a countryside refuge “distant from barbecues and spits”, according to the ceremony's official statement.
“The pig pardon has become one of our favorite ways to begin the end-of-year celebrations,” said the event host, in a particularly upbeat message.
“It captures the character of Miami: joyful, varied, and based in heritage that bring people together. Annually, we are proud to celebrate tradition and kindness in a way unique to Miami.”
Attendees enjoyed a vegetarian menu of spinach croquetas and strong coffee as they celebrated Six Seven’s big moment.
