Agrigento Bans Mafia-Themed Souvenirs

Agrigento, a city in Sicily, has introduced a ban on the sale of Mafia-themed souvenirs to combat its negative association with organized crime and to prepare for its designation as Italy's Capital of Culture in 2025. Mayor Francesco Miccichè emphasized that such merchandise humiliates the local community and undermines efforts to promote a culture of legality. The ban extends to items depicting characters from 'The Godfather', which has contributed to romanticizing Mafia culture. Local police will inspect shops for prohibited items, with fines imposed for non-compliance. This initiative is part of a broader campaign by regional authorities to sever ties with Mafia imagery, including previous measures at airports and ferries. Despite these efforts, Agrigento still faces challenges in reshaping its public perception amidst ongoing Mafia activity on the island.