by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

To the Italian family, St. Joseph’s Day, celebrated annually on March 19, is a very special feast. It honors Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ. As a solemnity in the Catholic Church, it’s a day of joy and reverence, even falling during Lent, which means fasting and abstinence rules are typically lifted, allowing for festive meals. This feast day is deep among Italian and Sicilian communities, where it’s tied to themes of family, protection, and gratitude for answered prayers.

In Italy, it doubles as Father’s Day, emphasizing Joseph’s role as a model of paternal care. Celebrations blend religious devotion with cultural customs, including elaborate food displays, parades, and acts of charity. Whether you’re observing it at home, in church, or in a community setting, today we will talk about how people around the world celebrate this meaningful day.

The origins of St. Joseph’s Day trace back to the Middle Ages, with formal recognition by the Catholic Church in the 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV.  A key legend stems from Sicily during a severe famine in the Middle Ages: Villagers prayed to St. Joseph for rain, and when crops were saved (especially fava beans), they honored him with bountiful tables of food shared with the poor. This tradition spread with Italian immigrants to places like the United States, particularly New Orleans and New York, where it evolved into vibrant public events.

Of course, Saint Joseph is revered as the patron saint of the universal Church and those seeking a peaceful death. However, St. Joseph is also the patron saint of families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers and working people, among many others. His life symbolizes protection and provision, reflecting Joseph’s biblical role in safeguarding the Holy Family.

In 2026, as in every year, observances focus on faith, family unity, and community support. At its heart, St. Joseph’s Day is a religious feast. Many begin with attending Mass or a Divine Service, where prayers and hymns honor the saint. Churches often hold special liturgies, with white or gold vestments replacing Lenten purple, and the Gloria is sung despite the season.

I remember in New York, many Italians would carry blessed fava beans (a symbol of luck and the famine miracle) while processing into the church for mass. In some traditions, particularly in Spain and Puglia, Italy, pilgrimages to St. Joseph shrines occur, followed by communal meals.

Home altars are common as families set up small shrines with statues of St. Joseph, candles, and prayer cards. A basket for prayer petitions, notes asking for St. Joseph’s intercession is traditional and to this day is something I do in my own home.

As most of you know, one of the most beloved customs is the St. Joseph’s Table (or Altar), a multi-tiered display of food symbolizing the Holy Trinity and the ascent to heaven. 

Originating in Sicily, these elaborate setups are found in homes, churches, and community halls, especially in Italian American communities. The table is blessed by a priest, and preparations begin months in advance as a vow of gratitude for favors granted, like healing or protection. Three ascending levels hold statues of the Holy Family, flowers, candles, and an abundance of food. Breads are shaped into symbols like crosses, hearts, or tools (representing Joseph’s carpentry). Fruits, vegetables, and wines add color, while photos of deceased loved ones or petition cards personalize it.

One of the coolest celebrations for schools and their church communities often start with “tupa-tupa” (knock-knock), a reenactment where the children dressed as the Holy Family knock on doors seeking shelter, mirroring the Nativity story. They’re welcomed with cries of “Viva San Giuseppe!” (Long live St. Joseph!).

Almost always, the celebration includes donations to those in need, whether it be shelters or families going through a rough period. This tradition is especially prominent in New Orleans, where elaborate altars are open to the public, and in New York, with community feasts.  Food is central, reflecting the famine miracle. Since it falls in Lent, many tables are meatless, focusing on seafood, vegetables, and symbolic dishes. However, as a solemnity, some include meat if the local customs choose to do so.

Pasta con sarde (pasta with sardines, fennel, tomatoes, and breadcrumbs symbolizing sawdust) is very famous originating with the Sicilians. I can tell you this was my all-time favorite pasta dish. In fact, it was the dish my mother made for me every single birthday she was alive. Zeppole (fried dough pastries filled with custard or ricotta, dusted with sugar), a little bit like your beignets, were my favorite dessert.

Fava beans were always (dried and blessed for luck). Fritelli (small round breads) or elaborate shaped loaves were baked and displayed. For desserts we also see Sfinge (cream puffs), fig cookies, and pignolata (honey-dipped pine nut pastries). These foods not only nourish but symbolize abundance and St. Joseph’s trade.

In many locales, parades add flair. New Orleans’ St. Joseph’s Day Parade in the French Quarter features floats, marching bands, tuxedo-clad participants, and throws like silk flowers and fava beans. It starts at 6 p.m. on March 19, blending Italian heritage with Mardi Gras energy. I used to love marching in this parade every year when I visited form New York. Similar events occur in other U.S. cities with Italian roots, like Chicago.

In Italy and Spain, more traditional celebrations include processions that carry St. Joseph statues through streets, with music and fireworks. St. Joseph’s Day is a beautiful blend of faith and culture, reminding us of humility, hard work, and community. Whether it’s through a grand table or a simple prayer, it’s a chance to honor a saint who quietly shaped history.

Most important, this day is one where families can come together and take the opportunity to learn about St. Joseph, and all he did in protecting the Holy Family, and raising Jesus. St. Joseph is highly revered in Catholic tradition as the greatest of saints, holding a unique position due to his role as the foster father of Jesus and spouse of Mary.

Known as the “Guardian of the Redeemer” and “Patron of the Universal Church,” he is honored for his humility, obedience, and vital, silent role in the Holy Family. Some theologians call his special veneration “Protodulia,” meaning the “first among those of dulia,” recognizing his position above the other saints.

Derived from Greek words, proto (“first”) and dulia (“veneration”). It is one of the four degrees of honor in the Church: Latria (our worship to God), Hyperdulia (the highest honor to Mary), Protodulia (the highest veneration to St. Joseph), and Dulia (the veneration of other saints). It is essential to distinguish between the two words venerate and worship.

Catholics show Mary hyperdulia (exceptional honor) and other saints dulia (veneration), but reserve latria (adoration/worship) only for God. Today as we reflect on the Feast of St. Joseph, let us pray to the first among Saints, asking for his intercession with God for all we need during this holy season of Lent.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week…

(Inside Picture is from The St. Joseph Altar past and present at St. Thomas Apostle Church in Long Beach, Ms.)