The Mafia
Whatever else the Mafia is, it isn't an organization that impinges upon the lives of tourists, and it's unlikely you'll come into contact with Mafia activity of any kind. That said, the Mafia does exist - and for very real historical and social reasons. But what began as an early medieval conspiracy, to protect the family from oppressive intrusions of the state, has developed along predictable lines. Throughout the twentieth century, alongside the endemic poverty, Sicily has endured a system of allegiance, preferment and patronage of massive self-perpetuating proportions, from which few local people profit. Most of the towns and villages of western Sicily are tainted, and Palermo and Trapani have been noted Mafia centres for decades. But travellers won't be much aware of the problem, due to the power of omerta , the law of silence. All this is not to say that petty crime won't make itself felt. Take all the usual precautions concerning your money and valuables, and have extra care in the cities - certain parts of Palermo and Catania have reputations it's as well not to test.
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