Sicily is known for “the Mafia”. I read the term “Mafia” came from Garibaldi in the 1860`s when he entered Sicily near Marsala. He saw these fighters not happy with the unification with Italy in a cave who were ferocious fighters. The term means “bold men”. That was the story anyway. Do some more walking around Palermo and you will find the Anti-Mafia memorial. It highlights the famous bandit Giuliano who, according to the son of Conte Federico, kidnapped his father and grandfather, returning the 4 year old father in 4 days and keeping the grandfather, the current Conte Federico for a few months for ransom which was paid. Now the anti-mafia movement is so strong young people feel they are able to manage businesses without interference from gangsters. There are now so many tourists in Palermo there seems to be no indication of safety issues. I feel more safe here than in San Francisco.
The following are on a wall celebrating the brave people who opposed the Mafia.
