If there happens to be a US politician that you despise, you might consider sending them to an Italian city where they can be dunked in water as punishment, as this city is known for its annual tradition of locking politicians up in a cage and submerging them in the river.
In most countries around the world, life goes on as usual even when a leader fails to meet their responsibilities, typically resulting in their defeat in the election due to their poor performance.
However, in the charming town of Trento in Italy, the consequences for politicians who make mistakes are quite different.
Each year in the second half of June, the Italian city of Trento holds a unique event called "Tonca" as part of the "Vigilian" celebrations.
The Tonca event occurs traditionally on the last Sunday before 26 June, which marks the end of the festivities.
This event serves as a symbolic punishment for individuals who have committed mistakes throughout the year and involves placing them in a cage and submerging them in the river.
The Tonca ceremony has gained international notoriety for its distinctive approach to disciplining politicians. Yet, the purpose of this event is not to cause harm but rather to offer a moment of entertainment to viewers and disciplining those who commit mistakes at the same time.
Thus, the event's intention is to be a light-hearted experience and also acts as an alternative to more severe forms of punishment for those who have made mistakes.
Another objective of this unusual event is to pay tribute to Saint Vigilio, the patron saint of the city.
It’s also worth mentioning that the practice of dunking people in a cage is a satire of a punishment from the last millennium used for those who were found guilty of committing blasphemy.
Thankfully, those who found guilty are lifted out of the water alive instead of the old practice of leaving them there until the locals believe they are dead and want to retrieve the cage.
Everyone can now attend the main event is the Court of Penitence, where renowned personalities from Trento, who have brought shame upon themselves over the year, are publicly punished but not killed.
The Tonca is an event in Trento, Italy, where every 19th of June a ceremonial jury sentences the local politician that committed the year's worst blunder to be locked in a cage and dunked in the river.
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) March 3, 2023
Tradition is important. 🤣
🔊 pic.twitter.com/dEmFz1G792
Although some may be declared innocent and escape from being dunked in the river, those who are found guilty will be subjected to the Tonca punishment.
Typically, politicians are the ones taking a dip in the river, as they are usually the ones who have made the most significant mistakes in the city.
The previous year, on 19 June, six individuals were convicted while five were spared from being submerged in the River Adige during the Tonca event.
If you're unsure where to vacation this summer, you may consider visiting Trento and attending the public Tonca event, but be sure to avoid making any major mistakes while there, or you might find yourself in a cage dunked in water like like in the olden days.
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Sylvia Silverstone is a passionate writer who loves to share her knowledge and expertise on a wide range of topics, including beauty, life hacks, entertainment, health, news, and money. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Sylvia's engaging writing style keeps readers coming back for more.
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