Pig Pardons in Miami-Dade County
A South Florida Twist on a White House Tradition
As the stars of Friday’s show in downtown Miami, baby pigs Glinda and Elphaba will never have to worry about gracing the dinner table at a Cuban American family’s home on Christmas Eve. Public pardons for the two piglets were granted by the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, in a seven-year South Florida riff on the White House tradition of pardoning two turkeys at Thanksgiving.
The Pardon Ceremony
Glinda and Elphaba didn’t seem too interested in the ceremony or the crowd surrounding their makeshift pen outside the Latin Cafe 2000, the restaurant that created and sponsors the event. The tan-and-black pair, about the size of pudgy beagles, hogged down apple and orange slices when offered. Otherwise, they seemed determined to find some way to nibble on the plastic grass lining their enclosure.
A Tradition with a Twist
If not for the pardons, they could have joined the thousands of their kind that will be barbecued whole on Tuesday in underground pits, on spits or in special metal boxes by families in Cuba, South Florida and elsewhere. They will become the “lechon asado” served during Nochebuena dinners.
The Mayor’s Remarks
“The holidays are definitely the favorite part of the year for me and for so many. It’s a time of gratitude. A time when we reunite with our families and our loved ones. And of course, good food, right? So important — but not a very good time to be a pig in Miami,” Levine Cava joked as she presented the proclamation giving Glinda and Elphaba permanent amnesty from barbecues.
The Origins of the Event
Eric Castellanos, the Latin Cafe 2000’s owner, said the event started out as a joke among staff after seeing a news story about the presidential Thanksgiving pardon, “because we really don’t eat turkey here in Miami. We eat pork.” “So we looked at each other and said, ‘Hey, someone should do this,’” Castellanos said. “The rest is history.”
The Future Home of Glinda and Elphaba
After the ceremony, Glinda and Elphaba were driven to their new home, the 12th and 13th to receive pardons over the years. The plastic grass never budged.
Conclusion
Glinda and Elphaba’s pardons are a unique twist on the traditional White House turkey pardons, and a nod to the cultural traditions of the Cuban American community in Miami-Dade County. The event has become a beloved annual tradition, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these adorable piglets.
FAQs
Q: Why were Glinda and Elphaba pardoned?
A: Glinda and Elphaba were pardoned as part of a South Florida tradition, inspired by the White House turkey pardons, to spare them from being barbecued for Nochebuena dinners.
Q: Who sponsored the event?
A: The event was sponsored by the Latin Cafe 2000, a restaurant in downtown Miami.
Q: Where will Glinda and Elphaba live?
A: Glinda and Elphaba will live at an animal sanctuary south of Miami, where they will be cared for and protected.
Q: How long will Glinda and Elphaba live?
A: Glinda and Elphaba are expected to live for 12 to 15 years at the animal sanctuary.
