Festa di San Giuseppe, June 6th through 8th!

Dear Valued Guests, 

At Trattoria Appia, we cherish the rich tapestry of Italian culture, a vibrant heritage woven with faith, family, and, of course, fantastic food! One of the most beloved and meaningful celebrations in the Italian calendar is the Feast of Saint Joseph (Festa di San Giuseppe), traditionally observed on March 19th. Locally, we celebrate Saint Joseph in June, just as the weather warms, to mark the passing of Spring to Summer.

 

This year, we are celebrating Saint Joseph on June 6th through 8th. More than just a date, it’s a day steeped in history, devotion, and communal spirit, a tradition we’re proud to share with you.

 

The Roots of the Celebration: A Story of Faith and Deliverance

 

The Feast of Saint Joseph holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Italians, especially Sicilians. Legend tells of a devastating drought in the Middle Ages that gripped Sicily, leading to famine and desperation. The faithful turned to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and a carpenter known for his humble diligence and care for his family, praying fervently for his intercession.

 

When the rains finally arrived, saving the island’s precious crops and averting starvation, the overjoyed Sicilians expressed their profound gratitude by preparing a grand feast. This wasn’t just any meal; it was a “tavola di San Giuseppe,” or Saint Joseph’s Table. These tables were laden with the fruits of the harvest, elaborate breads, and other special foods, offered first as a tribute to the Saint and then shared generously with the entire community, particularly the poor and needy.

 

This act of thanksgiving and charity became an enduring tradition, passed down through generations and carried across oceans by Italian immigrants who settled in new lands, including our own communities here in America.

 

Why We Celebrate: Enduring Values and Cherished Customs

 

The celebration of Saint Joseph’s Day is a testament to several core Italian values:

 

  • Faith and Gratitude: At its heart, the feast is an expression of deep religious faith and thankfulness for divine providence. It’s a reminder of hope and the power of prayer.
  • Family and Fatherhood: In Italy, March 19th is also Father’s Day (Festa del Papà). Saint Joseph, as the devoted husband of Mary and earthly father to Jesus, embodies the virtues of a loving, protective, and hardworking father figure. The day honors all fathers and the importance of family.
  • Charity and Community: The tradition of the Saint Joseph’s Table emphasizes sharing one’s blessings with those less fortunate. It fosters a sense of community and solidarity, where everyone is welcomed and cared for.
  • Culinary Heritage: Like any great Italian celebration, food plays a central role! The Feast of Saint Joseph is renowned for its unique and symbolic culinary traditions.

 

The Flavors of the Feast: A Taste of Tradition

 

Falling during the Lenten season, the traditional Saint Joseph’s Day feast is typically meatless. However, this doesn’t mean it lacks in flavor or abundance! Some iconic dishes and ingredients you’ll find include:

 

  • Fava Beans: These “lucky beans” were among the crops that flourished after the drought, symbolizing resilience and abundance.
  • Breads: Elaborately shaped breads are a hallmark of the St. Joseph’s Table, often formed into symbols like crosses, staffs, or carpenter’s tools in honor of Saint Joseph’s trade.
  • Pasta: Dishes like pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) are common. Sometimes, pasta is served with breadcrumbs, said to represent the sawdust from a carpenter’s workshop.
  • Seafood: Various fish dishes make an appearance, aligning with the meatless observance.
  • Sweet Treats: No Italian feast is complete without dessert! Zeppole di San Giuseppe are perhaps the most famous – delicious fried or baked pastries often filled with custard or ricotta cream and topped with a cherry. Sfinge (a type of cream puff) are also popular.
  • The Color Red: You’ll often see red attire or decorations, a color frequently associated with Saint Joseph in Italian tradition.

 
Keeping the Spirit Alive
 

While the grand, communal St. Joseph’s Tables might be less common today in some areas, the spirit of the feast lives on. Families still gather, special meals are prepared, and the values of gratitude, generosity, and family are celebrated.

 

At Trattoria Appia, we believe that every dish tells a story, and the story of Saint Joseph’s Day is one of enduring faith, community, and the joy of sharing. It’s a beautiful thread in the rich fabric of Italian heritage, a tradition that continues to nourish both body and soul.

 

We invite you to reflect on this special observance and perhaps even incorporate some of its beautiful traditions into your own lives.

 

Come and visit us June 6th through 8th, as all of Federal Hill celebrates Festa di San Giuseppe!

 

Sincerely,
Dino Di Fante
General Manager
Indulge in the Familiar, Experience the Extraordinary