Riva del Garda Enforces Fine to Halt Water Balloon Festivities on Ferragosto
It will be very costly today in Riva del Garda to partake in the traditional Ferragosto fun involving water balloon fights: that is, throwing water on friends along the lake beach.
To curb this typically summer phenomenon, the mayor of the Comune dell’Alto Garda, Cesare Malossini, has issued an ordinance that stipulates an 800,000 lira fine for those responsible.
Measures Adopted and Limitations of Prohibitions
The measure repeats last year’s experiment, through which the Municipality managed to curb the phenomenon that, over the years, had transformed from fun into a form of torture for vacationers.
In fact, the practice of throwing bags filled with water had extended to unsuspecting passersby, including the elderly, who were involuntarily subjected to an unwelcome shower.
Enforcement of Fines and Controls
The fine of 800,000 lire pertains to each individual violation of the ordinance and must be paid today.
The penalty is to be paid directly by the offender or by the parents if the violator is a minor.
To enforce the municipal ordinance, the beach will be thoroughly monitored by law enforcement authorities today.
Restoration of Freedom to Play
Starting tomorrow, enthusiasts of water balloon fights will be able to return and play freely, without any monetary penalties.
