In Miami, the city with the most Latinos in Florida, many families prefer to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve with roasted piglet instead of turkey. 

 

That's why on Tuesday, Dec. 14, Miami Mayor Daniella Levine Cava held the fourth annual pig pardoning ceremony at Latin Café 2000 in Brickell, where she pardoned four piglets: Manchita, Sakura, Shlomo and David.

 

While Washington holds the 'Presidential Pardon' ceremony, where two turkeys are spared on Thanksgiving, Miami has been sparing the lives of piglets that could end up as part of a Latino family's holiday menu for the past four years. 

 

"Today symbolizes a turning point in the lives of these lucky little pigs," said Cava, praising the "many talents and passions" displayed by, for example, Manchita.

 

Following the ceremony, the four piglets whose lives were pardoned moved to their new residence in the Redlands, an agricultural area where they will enjoy "ample space to run free for the rest of their lives in the company of other pigs rescued" in previous years, such as Layla, Luna, Chans, Peppa and Petra.

One of the favorite ways to prepare pork during this holiday season is a cooking device known as 'The Chinese Box,' which is a wooden chest with its interior lined with aluminum foil and a top tray where lighted coals are placed for the slaughtered pig to slowly roast.

 

It can also be prepared in the oven with a special marinade and fruits to give more flavor to the preparation.