This Swine Life: Hog Named Six Seven Spared by Miami-Dade Mayor.
Although not quite at the equivalent scale as granting clemency to Thanksgiving turkeys, but the county's top official had her own presidential-style act this week by ritually sparing the life of a pig named Six Seven.
Daniella Levine Cava performed the seasonal stunt at the Cuban-style Latin Cafe 2000 in the core of Miami’s iconic Little Havana neighborhood.
“This animal is guiltless. She is worthy of this pardon. No offenses are on her docket,” Levine Cava said in a speech with inescapable allusions to the sheer volume of pardons issued since the commencement of a new presidential term.
“Except perhaps for eating half a dozen apples per day,” the mayor added. “I hope she experiences a long and happy life away from worry.”
The event, simultaneously observing and challenging the local cultural practice of eating roast pork during the holidays, was founded to emulate the annual turkey pardoning at the White House.
The pig, contributed by a first responder, was named for the popular vernacular phrase of young people yelling “6-7” – inspired by a musical verse – often seemingly at random. The phrase became so ubiquitous that a leading lexicon site recently named “six-seven” its top term for the year.
A New Life
Six Seven the pig is now scheduled to spend its days at a farm 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 festive period,” said Eric Castellanos, in a notably cheerful message.
“It captures the spirit of Miami: vibrant, multicultural, and based in heritage that bring people together. Each year, we are delighted to mark heritage and mercy in a way distinctively Miamian.”
Attendees enjoyed a plant-based fare of spinach croquetas and strong coffee as they marked Six Seven’s big moment.
