The Porcine Pardon: Hog Named Six Seven Granted Clemency by Miami-Dade Mayor.
Although not quite at the equivalent scale as granting clemency to festive fowl, but the county's top official conducted a presidential-style act this week by ritually sparing the life of a swine named Six Seven.
Daniella Levine Cava carried out the annual tradition at the Cuban-themed Latin Cafe 2000 in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.
“This pig is innocent. She is worthy of this pardon. Her criminal record is spotless,” stated the mayor in a speech with obvious nods to the extraordinary and sizable number of executive clemencies issued from the start of the beginning of a second term in office.
“Unless you count eating six or seven apples per day,” the mayor added. “I hope she experiences a long and happy life without fear.”
This ceremony, which both honors and questions the region’s Hispanic tradition of feasting on pork during the holidays, was founded to replicate the yearly bird sparing at the White House.
The animal, contributed by a first responder, was named for the popular vernacular phrase of young people exclaiming “6-7” – originating from a rap song lyric – often for no discernable reason. The phrase became so pervasive that a prominent word reference recently named “six-seven” its top term for the year.
A Peaceful Retirement
The pardoned swine is now set to enjoy its days at a rural sanctuary “distant from barbecues and spits”, according to the event’s official press release.
“The pig pardon has become a beloved tradition to kick off the end-of-year celebrations,” said the cafe owner, in a notably cheerful message.
“It represents the essence of Miami: joyful, varied, and based in heritage that foster togetherness. Annually, we are proud to celebrate tradition and kindness in a way only Miami can.”
Guests enjoyed a plant-based fare of croquettes and Cuban coffee as they celebrated the pig's pardon.
