A journey through the history of Cosa Nostra, amidst trials, turncoats and mysteries. On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, at 5.30 p.m., the Sala Fumagalli-Martorana in Villa Butera will host an interesting event for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the mafia phenomenon in Sicily.
Nicola Zarbo, author of two highly successful essays, will present his books ‘Storia di Cosa Nostra in Sicilia’ and ‘Il maxiprocesso, i pentiti e la trattativa Stato-mafia’.
A unique opportunity to explore the origins and evolution of the Mafia, from its roots in the agrarian world to the intricate plots of power, up to the massacres of ‘92-’93 and the controversial negotiation between the State and Cosa Nostra. Zarbo, with his clear and accessible style, will guide us through the crucial moments of Mafia history, unveiling secrets and behind-the-scenes events that have deeply marked our country.
After the institutional greetings of Bagheria’s mayor Filippo Maria Tripoli, Father Salvatore Lo Bue, founder of the Case dei Giovani, the councillor for Social Policies, Emanuele Tornatore, the councillor for Legality and Goods Confiscated from the Mafia, Biagio Sciortino, and the councillor for Education, Antonella Insinga, will talk with the author. The meeting will be moderated by Marina Mancini, a journalist from the press office of the Municipality of Bagheria.
Nicola Zarbo’s essay analyses the birth and development of the Mafia in a clear and linear manner. Starting from its origins in the agrarian and pseudo-feudal world, it follows its development through the Unification of Italy, the agreements during the fascist period, its role during the Allied landings and finally its transformation after the war. Then the Giuliano gang, Portella della Ginestra and the internal transformation of the mafia structure. We then come to the two mafia wars, the clash with the State, and finally to the era of the massacres and the end of the First Republic. An explanatory text, written in a simple and accessible manner, but complete and historically exhaustive on the mafia phenomenon in Sicily and its developments that have branched out over the years throughout Italy and the world.
Was there really a negotiation between the State and the Mafia? With what consequences? Zarbo explains this in his second book ‘Il maxiprocesso, i pentiti e la trattativa Stato-mafia’ (The maxi-trial, the turncoats and the mafia-state negotiation). Thanks to his historical studies, he has delved into the subject in this text. We will find the unfolding of the maxiprocesso, the involvement of the most famous mafia turncoats (and the consequences they personally suffered), up to the massacres of ‘92-93 and the unfolding of the actual negotiations, culminating in the delivery of the so-called “papello” by Totò Riina. A book that sheds light on a fundamental period for understanding the birth of the Second Republic, rich in informative notes that fully document the information illustrated.