Italian city bans sale of mafia souvenirs

The ban, issued by the city’s mayor, Francesco Miccich, is intended to make it clear that the criminal organisation will not be tolerated by local authorities.

Characters from the film “The Godfather” have been depicted on magnets and ceramics, Italian news channel Sky TG24 reported.

The Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, is still active on the island, and has been since the 19th century.

The ban on souvenir shops is the latest in a series of measures to curb the destination’s ties to the mafia.

In 2023, the regional government ordered ferries docking around Sicily to stop selling mafia items in on-board souvenir shops.

According to local newspaper La Sicilia, Alessandro Aric, the councillor responsible for transport and infrastructure, has also ordered the island’s airports to stop offering these types of souvenirs, in a bid to tackle negative stereotypes.

If local police find items believed to glorify the mafia, fines can be issued.

Business Insider reached out to Agrigento Mayor Francesco Miccich and Councillor Alessandro Aric for comment but has not yet received a response.