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Agrigento wants to change its brand and image on the global scene
Francesco Miccichè, the mayor of Agrigento (in Sicily) has banned the sale of souvenirs that allude to the Mafia. The ordinance issued by the mayor aims to promote a cleaner and more cultural image of the town in the eyes of the tourists.
"Considering that the sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community, which has been committed to spreading the culture of legality for years, I order a ban on the sale of any type of object that praises, or refers in any way and form, to the mafia and organized crime," wrote the mayor in his announcement, as quoted by TG24.
The municipal police will have the duty to inspect gift shops to see whether they are selling any of the prohibited merchandise. In case of violations, there will be fines, although their size is not clear.
Agrigento, located in southern Sicily, definitely has many cultural sights and heritage not linked to Cosa Nostra to offer to visitors. It’s best known on the tourist trail for its Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO heritage site since 1997. The multitude of temples in question dates back to the period when Sicily was an Ancient Greek colony in the 5th century BC.
Unfortunately, this being the Sicilian countryside, the presence of the Mafia is also well-known. Only a month ago, for example, the local police detained seven people connected to dealings between organized crime and politicians.
The souvenir shops have banked on this notoriety by offering tourists different magnets, figures or keychains depicting various “mafioso” symbols such as Sicilians dressed in traditional clothes and carrying the lupara sawn-off shotgun. It’s these types of memorabilia that the mayor wants to see gone.
Part of the drive for cleaning up the city’s image is also the fact that Agrigento is prepping to be Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2025.
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