St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, is more than just a religious holiday; it’s a vibrant celebration of family, faith, and, most importantly, food. Especially in Italian communities, the day is marked by elaborate feasts and symbolic dishes that have been passed down through generations.
The story goes that in the middle ages, Sicily was going through a severe drought. This was cause for concern because no rain would ruin their crops and could have potentially led to a famine as well. The people prayed to St. Joseph in hopes of rain. Sure enough, the rain came and the crops were salvaged. To celebrate, feasts were prepared and shared with everyone– wealthy and poor.
There are many traditional items you can eat in honor of St. Joseph’s Day or that you’ll find at a st. Joseph’s Day Table– here are 4 of them!
St. Joseph’s Day Bread
Bread holds a special significance. Elaborate loaves, shaped into crosses, St. Joseph’s staff, and other religious symbols, adorn the tables. These breads are often sprinkled with sesame seeds, representing abundance and prosperity. We make these in our bakery and have them in the shape of a cross or in a staff in honor of St. Joseph’s staff.
Fava Beans
Fava beans play a symbolic role. Legend has it that during a severe famine in Sicily, fava beans were the only crop that survived, saving the people from starvation. Thus, they became associated with St. Joseph, who is believed to have interceded on their behalf. You’ll often find fava beans incorporated into various dishes or offered as a simple, roasted snack. Fava beans are also considered a lucky bean. Many people carry fava beans with them because it is said that if you carry fava beans with you, you will never go hungry!
Pasta San Giuseppe
“Pasta con Sarde” is a quintessential dish, featuring a long cut of pasta tossed with sardines or anchovies and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. There are many nods to St. Joseph’s job as a carpenter. The long cut of pasta like mafaldine or bucatini are to resemble a plank of wood and the breadcrumbs are to resemble saw dust.
Zeppole
And for dessert? It’s all about “Zeppole.” These are fried dough pastries, filled with various fillings. We make ours homemade in our bakery and offer them with creamy custard, cannoli filling, or a nutella filling! These are a decadent treat that are a must on st. Joseph’s Day!
St. Joseph’s Day food traditions are more than just recipes; they’re a cultural legacy. Each dish tells a story, each ingredient holds a meaning. These traditions connect us to our past, strengthen family bonds, and remind us of the importance of generosity and compassion; and at Caputo’s, we are committed to keeping traditions alive!
St. Joseph’s Day is also considered Father’s Day in Italy, so happy father’s day to all the dads!
Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation
