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The first thing that must be done is to take the pig to the table where it will be
killed. This is a difficult task because the animal, feeling its destiny, does not let himself
be captured very easily. It takes a lot of force to dominate over the pig.
Killing the pig. 1984
Lucía Varona
First the pig is killed. There are some people who know how to do it very well
and they are the ones called to do this work, even though they may not be part of the
family. In our case, it was Ángel Varona Temiño who knew how to do this task. He was
also called by other people to help with this task. This work is not paid with money, but
by what is taken from the pig. They are given chorizos (smoked seasoned pork sausage)
and sausages and other things from the pig.
One of the most pleasing memories of the matanzas that we have in our family is
that of the father telling us that when Petra, the youngest daughter, was small he would
take her to the matanzas and while he worked she would sing or dance the “twist”. This
was a very popular dance during this era (undoubtedly, it was the famous 60s). That is
that Ángel lent his services with a bond of entertainment. There are still people who
remember this and say “Petra was very ‘Saláa’ (funny and cute)”.
The first day is called a day to clean.
Once on the table, the person in charge of killing the sticks a knife in it. Normally
the pig does not suffer if the vein is found quickly. The person that receives the blood
kneels and prays a short prayer, then places the container that will catch the blood under
the pig, which must be constantly stirred to avoid it from going sour.
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