Happy New Year and Pass the Pork

The custom of eating pork on the first day of the new year is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. The pig pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving. Its rich fat content signifies wealth and prosperity.

Cincinnati is renowned for its connection to the pig. The Queen City earned the nickname of Porkopolis in the mid 1800s when the pig packing industry thrived. In 1833, more than 85,000 pigs were processed in Cincinnati, and by 1844, 26 different meat-processing plants were located here.

Over the years Cincinnati has had a love/hate relationship with the pig. Many citizens embrace the city's long history of swine affection while others feel it is an embarrassment. None the less, the pig has prevailed.

Sawyer Point

At Sawyer Point Bicentennial Commons you will find Flying Pig sculptures. Minneapolis artist Andrew Leicester was chosen from 50 artistic proposals to design the entrance sculpture in honor of Cincinnati's bicentennial in 1988.









In 2000 the Big Pig Gig was sponsored by Artworks and local business. Local artists and schools decorated hundreds of full-sized fiberglass pig statues and installed them throughout the downtown area. A total of 425 whimsical pigs were distributed across Cincinnati and surrounding areas.

The Big Pig Gig was so popular that Artworks sponsored the Big Pig Gig: Do-Re-Wee in 2012 to coincide with the World Choir Games. One hundred pigs were created and distributed downtown and in Over-the-Rhine.



On the first Sunday of May marathon enthusiasts from all over the country compete in the Flying Pig Marathon. Started in 1999, it is now the third largest marathon in the United States. And an official time from the Flying Pig can qualify a runner for the Boston Marathon.



Yes Cincinnati aka Porkopolis really does embrace the pig. The Queen City has prospered over the years, sometimes even in spite of the piggish stubbornness of its citizens.