There is no mistake that Saint Joseph’s Day coincides with the spring equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, the month of March marks a period of scarcity before the Earth yields new crops. The festivities of the Feast are linked to the land, vegetation, and the animal kingdom. It is a feast of thanksgiving for having survived through the winter months and a request for abundance in the seasons ahead.

There are many rituals that are practiced for Saint Joseph’s Day—and each parish has its own interpretations—including bonfires, processions featuring needy children and families dressed in costumes representing the Holy Family, and eating macco di fave, or, in Sicilian, maccu di favi, a dried fava bean puree (pictured).

Celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day in New York City with Experience Sicily, Gelsomino Imports, and Eolo Seasonal Sicilian Kitchen on Sunday, March 20 at 3PM. More details at http://eolonewyork.com/st-josephs-day-feast-2016/. Call 646-225-6606 to reserve your spot.