Italians put politicians in cages and throw them into the water - don't panic, this is the tradition (4 photos + 2 videos)

In the northern Italian city of Trento, politicians are likely to themselves like silk - and all thanks to an ancient tradition in which local residents publicly "punish" delinquent public and political figures. You won't spoil them!





At the end of June, the Feste Vigiliane festival takes place in Trento, a week-long celebration dedicated to the city's patron saint. One of the brightest events of the festival - "Tonka", a comic reconstruction ancient punishment, popular from the 14th to the 17th centuries, during which one "lucky" is placed in a cage and dipped in the icy waters of the Adige, the second along a river in Italy.



Probably, everyone can name a dozen politicians who such a refreshing dive would not hurt. But in Trento they get down to business seriously and don't throw anyone into the river: to determine who will be awarded this “honor”, there is a traditional ritual. Some time before events are held Tribunale di Penitenza ("Court of Repentance") - comedy-satirical performance, during which the members of the "court" nominate different people and state their reasons why punishment should be they are the ones to be subjected to. The process involves a judge, a lawyer, a prosecutor and an actor playing the part of the accused.



Although in ancient times this punishment was intended exclusively for blasphemers, anyone who was involved in scandal or did something that deserved media coverage. And although politicians are nominated most often, there are exceptions. For example, last year the nominees included four presidents provinces for their role in delaying the construction of a new hospital, and nurse who was charged with falsification COVID test results.

But far from always people are punished for serious misdemeanors. Last year, two other politicians were nominated for being they protested against the concert of the Italian singer Vasco Rossi.



The official verdict of the court is announced in a few days, whereupon the delinquent, recognized as the worst of the worst, must take its place in the cage. Then he or she is solemnly dipped in the Adige - thrice.

All this, of course, is not serious, and the “convicts” themselves remain very happy with the process. Through this cheerful tradition, the people of Trento simultaneously pay tribute to their past and attract to responsibility of those who acted inappropriately in the eyes of the locals.