Florida Mayor Grants Christmas Pardon to Baby Pigs in Cuban Twist on White House Tradition
MIAMI – In a heartwarming twist on a White House tradition, the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, granted a Christmas pardon to two adorable baby pigs named Glinda and Elphaba. These 4-month-old pigs, affectionately named after the good and wicked witches in the musical “Wicked,” will now live out their full 12 to 15 years at an animal sanctuary, far away from the dinner tables of Cuban American families.
A Unique Pardon
The public pardons for Glinda and Elphaba mark a seven-year tradition in South Florida, mirroring the White House’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony. The pigs were the stars of a heartwarming event in downtown Miami, where they were spared from becoming part of the traditional “lechon asado” served during Nochebuena dinners.
Unlikely Heroes
Despite the attention and crowd surrounding them, the two piglets appeared unfazed by the ceremony. Glinda and Elphaba, resembling pudgy beagles in size, happily munched on apple and orange slices while exploring their enclosure. Their fate could have been much darker if not for the mayor’s proclamation granting them permanent amnesty from the holiday barbecues.
A Comedic Origin
The idea for the event originated as a joke among staff at Latin Cafe 2000, the restaurant that sponsored the ceremony. Owner Eric Castellanos humorously recalled how the concept emerged after realizing the lack of turkey consumption in Miami, a city that enjoys pork delicacies instead. The decision to spare the pigs from their culinary destiny was celebrated as a gesture of goodwill and compassion.
A Touching Moment
Among the spectators was Abbi Erkes, a recent Miami transplant, who found herself drawn to the adorable piglets and the cultural significance of the event. She shared her experience of learning about Cuban and Latin culture, embracing the unique traditions that make Miami a vibrant melting pot of diversity.
As Glinda and Elphaba embark on their new life at the animal sanctuary, their story serves as a reminder of compassion and kindness during the holiday season. In a world where so many animals are destined for consumption, these baby pigs found unexpected heroes in the form of a mayor’s pardon and a community’s goodwill.
And as the plastic grass in their enclosure remained unmoved, it was a symbolic gesture of their newfound freedom and the hope for a brighter future ahead.
