Sicily bans sale of Godfather-themed souvenirs as mayor give harsh two-word warning to merchants

Sicily is taking steps to eliminate the sale of Godfather-themed merchandise as part of an effort to shed its association with organized crime.

The town of Agrigento, famous for its ancient Greek temples, is specifically targeting items like T-shirts and mugs featuring Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone.

Mayor Francesco Miccichè, who harshly warned merchants 'it's humiliating' to sell such items, stated that such stereotypes are demeaning to the community, which has long worked to promote a culture of legality. Authorities will enforce the ban by removing prohibited Godfather-themed items and fining non-compliant businesses.

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Police will be inspecting shops to ensure they comply with the ban on selling prohibited Godfather-themed merchandise, with fines imposed on those who don't.

In Agrigento, home to the famous Valley of the Temples, this crackdown is part of a broader effort by Sicily to discard negative mafia stereotypes.

The island's government has also directed airports, including those in Palermo, Catania, and Trapani, to stop selling mafia-related memorabilia.

This follows a similar ban on ferries last year, aimed at preserving Sicily's dignified image.