Italians across the globe love celebrating St. Joseph’s Day on March 19th. Families gather to feast and pray, honoring the revered, dedicated carpenter that raised Jesus as his own son. Since Joseph is considered one of the most noble and holy fathers that ever walked the earth, Italy has declared that his saint day should also be used to celebrate Father’s Day, or as it is known it Italy, La Festa del Papa’.
The most widely celebrated and enjoyed tradition of St. Joseph’s Day is to set the La Tavola di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Table) the evening of March 18 and invite the poor and less fortunate to join you in your offerings. Typically, La Tavola di San Giuseppe is laden with pasta, vegetables, fish, eggs, pastries, fruit and wine. Due to the fact that St. Joseph’s Day occurs during lent, meatless dishes are usually prepared. Various regions throughout Italy include different options, but most offer fava beans. These beans are symbolic because they were one of the very limited crops that grew in the Middle Ages during droughts in Sicily. In fact, Sicilians give St. Joseph credit for saving them from droughts and they honor him by decorating their tables to look like altars, adorning them with flowers and statues to give thanks.
Oftentimes, dishes that include breading or breadcrumbs will also be a must on La Tavola di San Giuseppe to symbolize the sawdust of Joseph’s profession as a carpenter. An example that is commonly prepared is Pasta con le Sarde, (Pasta with Sardines), a pasta dish that uses breadcrumbs. The tasty holiday favorite for most people is of course the Zeppole di San Giuseppe, that are made specifically for this time of year. Various versions of this cream filled pastry are made throughout Italy. Whether you have Zeppole in Apulia, Bigne’ in Rome, Zeppoli in Naples or Sfinge in Sicily, they will be delicious! Try our amazing recipe for Zeppole here!
