SPAIN -- From November to February, thousands of fattened pigs are slaughtered in Spain on family farms, sometimes even in village homes. With a knife, as always, and with the animal squealing and struggling until it bleeds to death. It is a rural tradition that goes back a long way, but has nothing to do with Christmas, as some misinformed people believe. It appears St. Martin is honoured like that, as on this day is when most of the killing goes on. An old saying goes: A cada cerdo le llega su San Martín (Every pig gets its St. Martin's Day -- November 11 -- or, cutting the saint out of it, Everyone gets their comeuppance.)
