Sconzajuoco: Messing with the Mafia

On July 5, I joined Addiopizzo, a grassroots anti-extortion organization in Sicily, to celebrate the opening of a new stretch of beach in Capaci, about twenty-five minutes from Palermo. Previously abandoned to waste and difficult to access, the new beach, named "Sconzajuoco," has been returned to the public. All the beach furnishings are made with recycled garbage found along the coastline.   Beach services include a special wheelchair for people who need support accessing the water and sand, as well as childcare.
Music is scheduled all summer as well as volleyball,kayaking,  windsurfing lessons and a range of cultural events. 

Like it's Sicilian name, "Sconzajuoco," which describes someone who likes to mess up a game or ruin plans,the intention of Addiopizzo is to create a sustainable cultural revolution that disrupts the business of the Cosa Nostra. Partners joining Addiopizzo include Greenpeace, Legambiente, Free Gay Pride as well as over 800 merchants and social entrepreneurs who refuse to pay extortion money.  

The name Sconzajuoco was inspired by the name of Libero Grassi's boat. Grassi,an anti Mafia factory owner,was murdered by the Cosa Nostra in Palermo in 1991. Last night, Grassi's son Davide and his grandson Alfredo cut the celebratory ribbon. Davide spoke on behalf of his father's dream to create and sustain public spaces for the common good and to imagine a history free from Mafia violence.