Probably the most distinct ritual of Saint Joseph’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 19, revolves around the celebration of bread, which in Sicily and southern Italy is sacred because wheat, its principle ingredient, is the most important crop of the region. The preparation of altars, or tables, known as le tavolate di San…
Tag: la festa di san giuseppe
Breadmaking As A Ritual
Ritual bread making in honor of Saint Joseph (San Giuseppe) in Salemi.
Make Bread For Saint Joseph March 10 In New York City
Make bread with Experience Sicily on Sunday, March 10 at Cacio e Vino in NYC! It’s not bread you eat, however, but decorative bread, in honor of Saint Joseph. Like what women do all over southern Italy and Sicily to honor the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, and those who toil for their work, you…
Joy From Saint Joseph
Thank you to everyone who came to our St. Joseph’s Day celebration this afternoon! And thank you to Cacio e Vino restaurant for being such fabulous hosts. It was pure joy. A glimpse of our altar… Viva San Giuseppe!
Thank Goodness For Fava
In the 10th century, a drought caused a severe famine in Southern Italy. The crop that sustained Sicily’s citizens during the famine was fava beans, like those pictured (Fresh, green on the left, Dried, brown on the right). Devotees of Saint Joseph prayed to him to bring rain, and in return, they promised to hold…
Beloved Sfinci di San Giuseppe
Probably the most famous food associated with Saint Joseph’s Day, which is March 19, are Sfinci di San Giuseppe. I photographed these in Sicily–not an easy item to find if they aren’t “in season.” Sfinci are fried cream puffs, served hot with a dusting of cinnamon, confectioner’s sugar, and honey, or cold and open-faced with…
Saint Joseph, The Protector and Father
San Giuseppe, or Saint Joseph, pictured in this altar from Sicily, is one of the most venerated saints south of Rome. The spouse of the Virgin Mary and the guardian-father of Jesus, he is regarded as the patron saint of fathers. In fact, in Italy, Saint Joseph’s Day, March 19, is also Father’s Day. Saint…
Building Our Altar for San Giuseppe
My heart is full of joy after spending the day with such wonderful new and old friends making loaves for San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph)! Thank you to Archestratus Books & Foods for being fabulous hosts! Viva San Giuseppe! ____ Join us next Sunday for la grande festa at Cacio e Vino with its outstanding Sicilian…
Prayer In Progress
Working the dough! Be part of our community celebration! CELEBRATE ST. JOSEPH’S DAY Sunday, March 18, 2 p.m. Where: Cacio e Vino, 80 2nd Avenue, New York City Reserve your spot and more details at https://experiencesicily.com/saint-josephs-day-in-new-york-city/.
Thanking Saint Joseph
CREATE RITUAL LOAVES IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH; Sunday, March 11, 11 a.m. at Archestratus Books & Food, Brooklyn; Reserve your spot and more details at https://experiencesicily.com/saint-josephs-day-in-new-york-city/. Why I Celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day Two years ago January, our New York City rent was raised 12%. It was a shock. My husband and I immediately began…