Italian
La festa di San Giuseppe
La festa di San Giuseppe was celebrated last Tuesday at our wonderful school.
Celebrated on March 19th, the feast honors Joseph, husband to the Virgin Mary, and earthly father to Jesus. It is also the day in which Italy celebrates Father’s Day.
All of Italy celebrates the feast day of St. Joseph. Sicily in particular puts on a large feast in his honor. St. Joseph is credited to have saved the Sicilians during one of their major droughts. They honor him fully and the island celebrates with religious processions and festivals.
Tradition has it that residents prayed to St. Joseph for rain. The rain came, and as such, their spring crops were spared from being destroyed, preventing a widespread famine for Sicily.
Italians enjoy creating a table for La festa. They enjoy a zeppola in honor of San Giuseppe.The table is filled with food and gifts offered to the saint in thanksgiving. On the feast day, an open house is held, inviting friends and family to join in the celebration.
Maria Scandizzo