The Feast of Saint Joseph: La Tavola di San Giuseppe

 

The Feast of Saint Joseph: La Tavola di San Giuseppe

Introduction

The Feast of Saint Joseph, or La Festa di San Giuseppe, is a deeply cherished tradition in Catholicism and among Italians worldwide. Celebrated on March 19th, this feast honors Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and patron saint of workers, fathers, and the universal Church. In Italy, the day is recognized as a national holiday, much like Father’s Day, and is observed with religious ceremonies, grand feasts, and acts of charity. Italian-American communities, particularly Catholic ones, have maintained and adapted these traditions in the United States, ensuring that Saint Joseph’s Day remains a vital cultural and religious celebration.

The Significance of Saint Joseph in Catholicism

Saint Joseph is venerated as a model of humility, faith, and hard work. Though little is written about him in the Bible, his role in salvation history is profound. As the protector of the Holy Family, Joseph demonstrated unwavering obedience to God’s will, providing for Mary and Jesus through his labor as a carpenter. Pope Pius IX declared him the patron of the universal Church in 1870, solidifying his importance in Catholic devotion.

The Church has long recognized Saint Joseph as a special intercessor, particularly for workers, fathers, and those in need. His feast day is marked with prayers, special Masses, and celebrations that reflect his virtues of generosity and humility.

La Tavola di San Giuseppe: The Traditional St. Joseph’s Table

One of the most beloved traditions associated with Saint Joseph’s Day is the Tavola di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Table), a communal feast that dates back to the Middle Ages in Sicily. According to legend, during a time of severe drought and famine, Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph for relief. When the rains finally came, they prepared a grand banquet in his honor, offering food to the poor in thanksgiving. This tradition continues today as a way of honoring Saint Joseph’s spirit of kindness and care for the less fortunate.

A traditional Tavola di San Giuseppe includes a beautifully adorned altar with three tiers, representing the Holy Trinity. The table is filled with an abundance of food, all meatless in accordance with Lenten traditions. Common dishes include:

• Fava beans – Symbolizing good luck and abundance, as they were one of the few crops that sustained people during the famine.

• Bread in symbolic shapes – Breads shaped like crosses, staffs, and Joseph’s beard are central to the feast.

• Pasta con sarde – A Sicilian dish made with pasta, sardines, fennel, and breadcrumbs.

• Zeppole di San Giuseppe – Traditional cream-filled pastries associated with the feast.

• Citrus fruits, vegetables, and wine – Reflecting the bounty of the harvest.

The feast is often accompanied by prayers, the recitation of the Rosary, and communal dining, with an emphasis on feeding the poor and those in need.

Saint Joseph’s Day in Italy

In Italy, March 19th is not only a religious observance but also a public holiday. The day is akin to Father’s Day, with families celebrating their fathers and grandfathers, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice in the spirit of Saint Joseph. Children often give gifts to their fathers, and communities hold processions, parades, and special Masses in his honor.

In southern Italy and Sicily, Saint Joseph’s Day is especially revered. Many towns hold reenactments of the Holy Family seeking shelter, with participants dressed as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, symbolizing Joseph’s role as a provider and protector. Public feasts are common, and it is customary for those who have had prayers answered through Saint Joseph’s intercession to host a Tavola di San Giuseppe as an act of thanksgiving.

Italian-American Celebrations in the United States

Italian-American Catholic communities have brought the rich traditions of Saint Joseph’s Day to the United States, particularly in cities with large Italian populations such as New Orleans, New York, and Chicago. Parishes and cultural organizations organize Saint Joseph’s Tables, Masses, processions, and charitable events to honor the saint.

In New Orleans, for example, the celebration is particularly grand, with elaborate altars, public feasts, and a deep-rooted tradition of generosity. Bakeries and restaurants prepare zeppole and other festive foods, while churches host Masses and community gatherings.

Saint Joseph’s Day at Our Lady of the Rosary, San Diego

Our Lady of the Rosary (OLR), an Italian National Parish in San Diego’s historic Little Italy, has long been a cornerstone of Italian Catholic traditions in the region. The parish is known for hosting grand celebrations for various saint feast days, including La Festa di San Giuseppe.

Each year, OLR’s Saint Joseph’s Day celebration is one of its most anticipated events, bringing together the community for a special Mass, a traditional Tavola di San Giuseppe, and acts of charity. The event typically includes a solemn procession, beautifully adorned altars, and a communal feast featuring classic Italian dishes associated with the holiday.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent celebrations were either postponed or conducted with limited in-person attendance. In 2020, rather than holding the traditional Mass and luncheon fundraiser, the parish shared an article about the feast on its website and in its bulletin. While these adaptations were necessary, they could not replace the deep sense of faith and community that normally accompanies the annual event.

To offer a glimpse of what a traditional Saint Joseph’s Day Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary looks like, I am sharing a video from the 2019 celebration. Though it was recorded on a cell phone, I hope it captures the beauty and solemnity of the occasion. Below is a short clip of the opening procession, and you can view the full video here.

For more photos and a deeper look at past celebrations, you can find additional resources here. If you would like to learn more about Saint Joseph’s Day and its significance, you can read about it here.

Visit Our Lady of the Rosary

If you are ever in Southern California and want to experience an authentic Saint Joseph’s Day celebration, consider visiting Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego’s Little Italy. Attending this feast day is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Italian Catholic traditions and devotion.

Our Lady of the Rosary

• Address: 1629 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101

• Email: parish@olrsd.org

• Phone: 619-234-4820

• Website: OLRSD.org

Conclusion

The Feast of Saint Joseph is a cherished tradition that bridges faith, culture, and community. Whether celebrated in Italy, the United States, or anywhere with a strong Catholic presence, the feast serves as a reminder of Saint Joseph’s virtues of humility, protection, and charity. From grand altars and feasts to intimate family gatherings, the day continues to be a testament to the enduring devotion to this beloved saint.

As Italian-American Catholics maintain and adapt these traditions, Saint Joseph’s Day remains a beautiful expression of faith, gratitude, and communal spirit. If you ever have the chance to experience a Tavola di San Giuseppe or attend a Saint Joseph’s Day Mass, it is an event that truly embodies the heart of Italian Catholic culture.

Grazie! Auguri!