The Porcine Pardon: Hog Named 6-7 Granted Clemency by Miami-Dade Mayor.

While perhaps not at the identical stature as sparing festive fowl, but the Miami-Dade County mayor experienced a presidential-style act this week by ceremoniously saving the life of a pig named Six Seven.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava alongside the pardoned pig.
The mayor at the pardon ceremony. Image: Courtesy of the cafe.

Daniella Levine Cava carried out the annual tradition at the Cuban-style Latin Cafe 2000 in the core of Miami’s iconic Little Havana neighborhood.

“This animal is guiltless. She deserves this act of mercy. Her criminal record is spotless,” declared Levine Cava in a speech with clear references to the sheer volume of executive clemencies issued since the commencement of a second term in office.

“Unless you count eating six or seven apples per day,” she went on. “May this pig enjoy a prosperous future free from concern.”

This ceremony, simultaneously observing and challenging the local cultural practice of eating roast pork during the holidays, was founded to emulate the yearly bird sparing at the White House.

Six Seven was pardoned in a event at Latin Cafe 2000.
Six Seven was pardoned in a ceremony at Latin Cafe 2000. Photo: Courtesy of event organizers.

The pig, contributed by a Coral Gables firefighter, was given its name from the current slang trend of young people shouting “six-seven” – deriving from a rap song lyric – often without clear purpose. The trend became so pervasive that a leading lexicon site recently declared “six-seven” its top term for the year.

A Peaceful Retirement

The pardoned swine is now destined to live out its days at a rural sanctuary “distant from barbecues and spits”, according to the ceremony's official statement.

“This swine clemency has become a cherished method to kick off the holiday season,” said Eric Castellanos, in a particularly upbeat message.

“It represents the character of Miami: happy, varied, and based in heritage that unite the community. Every time, we are delighted to mark heritage and mercy in a way unique to Miami.”

Participants enjoyed a plant-based fare of spinach croquetas and cafecito as they celebrated the pig's pardon.

Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown

Berlin-based event curator and nightlife journalist with a passion for urban culture and entertainment trends.