The Porcine Pardon: Hog Named Six Seven Granted Clemency by Miami-Dade Mayor.
It might not have been at the identical stature as sparing holiday birds, but the Miami-Dade County mayor had her own ceremonial pardon event this week by ritually sparing the life of a swine named Six Seven.
Daniella Levine Cava performed the seasonal stunt at the Cuban-style Latin Cafe 2000 in the center of Miami’s iconic Little Havana neighborhood.
“This pig is innocent. Clemency is justified for her. No offenses are on her docket,” Levine Cava said in a speech with clear references to the sheer volume of pardons issued from the start of the commencement of a current administration.
“Unless you count eating half a dozen apples per day,” the mayor added. “Let this swine have a lengthy and joyful existence free from concern.”
This ceremony, which both honors and questions the region’s Hispanic tradition of consuming swine during the holidays, was founded to emulate the annual turkey pardoning at the White House.
The pig, provided by a first responder, was christened after the popular vernacular phrase of young people shouting “six seven” – originating from a hip-hop line – often for no discernable reason. The phrase became so widespread that a major dictionary recently made “six-seven” its top term for the year.
A New Life
This particular pig is now scheduled to spend its days at a rural sanctuary “distant from barbecues and spits”, according to the ceremony's official statement.
“This swine clemency has become a beloved tradition to kick off the festive period,” said Eric Castellanos, in a decidedly positive message.
“It represents the character of Miami: vibrant, diverse, and based in heritage that unite the community. Annually, we are delighted to mark heritage and mercy in a way only Miami can.”
Guests enjoyed a meat-free selection of spinach croquetas and strong coffee as they celebrated the pig's pardon.
