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    Italian city bans ‘Godfather,’ mafia souvenirs because it ‘humiliates’ the locals

    By Alex Mitchell,

    3 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1pFmQp_0vFiV96000

    It’s not “strictly business,” it’s personal.

    A city in Sicily is trying to rescind its connections to organized crime by banning the sale of souvenirs relevant to the mafia.

    The mayor of Agrigento gave the Sicilian message that street vendors and gift shop tchotchkes — very similar to mob-related paraphernalia sold in tourist traps around NYC — “humiliates the local community.”

    Specifically, the hit inadvertently applies to anything related to “The Godfather.” The 1972 Francis Ford Coppola masterpiece was famously filmed on the Italian island known as the birthplace of La Cosa Nostra centuries ago.

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    “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,” mayor Francesco Miccichè said.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2KgnrZ_0vFiV96000
    The influence of the mafia and “The Godfather” are taking over a Sicilian area. The city of Agrigento now banned the sale of anything mob-related. picture alliance via Getty Images

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    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46gjCu_0vFiV96000
    Like New York, the presence of mafia merchandise is abundant in Agrigento, Sicily. picture alliance via Getty Images

    Specifically in the city that reportedly still struggles with mafia influence — five were arrested on related charges this summer — Nintendo Mario-looking figurines toting “lupara” sawed-off shotguns are highly popular, according to Euronews .

    They were iconically carried by the bodyguards of Al Pacino’s incognito Michael Corleone as he hid out after killing Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo inside a Bronx restaurant.

    El alcalde de Agrigento (Sicilia) ha prohibido la venta de souvenirs que hagan referencia a la Mafia. https://t.co/7awgCexyKt pic.twitter.com/iD0h1QGPnb

    — Niporwifi © (@niporwifi) August 23, 2024

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    Police will now be allowed to inspect shops for keeping the con-related contraband.

    While the ban has caught a great deal of attention, Agrigento — known for having temples built during the days of ancient Greece — has a tremendous uphill battle to sway public perception and little time to do so.

    The city looks to go completely legitimate after being named by the Italian government as the nation’s “Capital of Culture” for 2025.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Fo6wL_0vFiV96000
    The shotguns carried by Michael Corleone’s bodyguards are especially popular in Sicilian souvenirs. Courtesy Everett Collection

    Some of the challenges come from tourism websites that market “The Godfather” as a travel incentive to Sicily and outline its many local filming locations.

    Agrigento also struggled with luring in travelers this summer due to droughts in the region .

    For the latest in lifestyle, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/lifestyle/

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