Neither the sweltering heat nor the curious gazes of passersby stopped a group of Cuban families living in Montevideo from ringing in the New Year with one of their most cherished customs: roasting a whole pig on a spit.
The celebration took place at the intersection of Agraciada and Freire streets in the Belvedere neighborhood, where the Cubans set up an impromptu outdoor kitchen and crafted a makeshift rotisserie to turn a pig weighing over 130 pounds over open coals.
“This pig weighs 137 pounds. It takes at least eight hours,” one of the participants explained to Telemundo, as he monitored the fire and the pig's golden-brown skin. “Once all the fat is released, it won’t burn. We’re using charcoal, but you can also do it with wood, just keep turning it. Eight hours and it’s crispy and cooked to the bone, like a strawberry,” he added proudly.
Images of the roast quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions. Some users criticized the event as a display of civic irresponsibility, while others defended it as a legitimate way to preserve the traditions of the Caribbean nation.
Cuban YouTuber Frank el Máquina, who resides in Uruguay, noted that street barbecues are not uncommon, especially during New Year celebrations, although the size of the pig and the method used caught the attention of locals and onlookers.
For the Cuban participants, the day was an opportunity to relive a piece of their homeland far from home and to keep alive a tradition that, despite the controversy, symbolizes family unity and the hope for better times ahead.
Cuban Traditions in Uruguay: Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Cuban families choose to roast a pig in the street?
The Cuban families wanted to celebrate the New Year with a traditional roast pig, a practice deeply rooted in their culture, and utilized the street as an accessible space for their gathering.
What was the reaction on social media to the street roast?
Social media reactions were divided, with some criticizing the event as uncivil, while others saw it as a valuable expression of cultural heritage.
Is roasting a pig in public common during New Year celebrations in Uruguay?
According to Cuban YouTuber Frank el Máquina, street barbecues can be common during New Year celebrations, although the size and method of this particular roast were unusual.