MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava pardoned two young pigs Wednesday, giving life to the animals ahead of the Christmas holiday.
“Holly” and “Jolly”, both two-month-old siblings, were spared from becoming the next holiday ham and were granted clemency by the county.
The Pig Pardoning Ceremony took place at Latin Cafe 2000, located at 1053 Brickell Plaza in Miami.
Both pigs are set to enjoy their new foster home at Aguacate Sanctuary of Love, where there will be ample space to run free.
The “lechón,” a roasted pork dish, is at the center of Cuban-Americans’ “Noche Buena” feast, so Levine Cava decided to continue with a new tradition that takes after the many generations of U.S. presidents who have been issuing pardons to turkeys before Thanksgiving.
Holly and Jolly are the ninth pigs pardoned since the ceremony started five years ago.
Local 10 News’ Andrea Torres contributed to this story.