Miami Kicks Off the Holidays by Pardoning a Pig Named ‘6-7’

December 9, 2025

Only in Miami do the holidays begin with a pig pardon instead of a turkey.

The city’s delightfully offbeat tradition returned this week as Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava officially kicked off the holiday season by granting a full pardon to a pig named Six Seven during the 8th Annual Pig Pardoning Ceremony. Hosted Tuesday morning at Latin Cafe 2000 in Brickell, the event is Miami’s playful spin on the national presidential turkey pardon. And in true Miami fashion, it swaps out turkey for lechón, honoring the city’s deep cultural ties to the caja china and the beloved Noche Buena roast.

In Miami, it’s less about the turkey and all about the pork.

As thousands of families across Miami-Dade prepare for their holiday feasts, the pig pardoning offers a lighthearted pause for mercy, reflection, and community spirit. This year’s honoree, Six Seven, gets to skip the caja china entirely. Named after the viral internet meme, the pig quickly stole the spotlight and the city’s collective heart. Mayor Levine Cava granted Six Seven a full reprieve, ensuring he’ll live out his days far from any holiday menu. The pig was donated by Coral Gables firefighter Ricardo Blasco to Pig Roast Command, a group of first responders and community leaders best known for organizing the popular Pig Roast Bowl.

Instead of becoming part of a Christmas Eve tradition, Six Seven has been promised a peaceful, lifelong sanctuary, trading roasting trays for open space and good vibes. The annual ceremony continues to highlight Miami’s rich food culture while adding a uniquely local sense of humor to the holiday season. It’s festive, it’s heartfelt, and it’s unmistakably Miami. Holiday season: officially oink-approved.

Written by: Cat Haley