Providence is home to a variety of cultures and traditions, including large populations of Irish-Americans and Italian-Americans. Restaurants and bars throughout the city will be going green for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, while Providence’s Little Italy, Federal Hill, will be feasting on traditional Italian zeppole on St. Joseph’s Day, March 20. And, you don’t have to be Irish or Italian to join in on the fun.
The Feast of Saint Joseph will be observed in 2024, on March 20th. This is an annual celebration in honor of Saint Joseph, who was the legal guardian of Jesus Christ, and was revered by the Catholic Church as a patron saint of workers.
The day is also known as the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and is a holiday traditionally celebrated by Christians worldwide, and in different ways. However, some people from other faiths have adopted the celebration, as well.
HISTORY OF FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH
According to Christian beliefs, Saint Joseph was a first-century man of Nazareth who married the Virgin Mary, after the birth of Jesus Christ. He is honored by the church as the lifelong partner of Mary, and who remained chaste and virginal until his death, which took place in the presence of Jesus and Mary.
The context of Saint Joseph as the legal father of Jesus is present in Luke and Matthew, which trace him as a descendant of David. The Catholic Church under Pope Pius IX declared Joseph to be the patron and protector of the Catholic Church.
Every country that has a strong catholic presence celebrates this day during Lent. Many observe a strict fast and abstinence on this day, while caring for the poor and needy by providing them with food.
These iconic traditions originate from Italy, Malta, Spain, and Poland. Unlike other holidays whose traditions have changed over the years, Saint Joseph’s days remain the same. This is the case because the holiday is acknowledged in countries with a strong catholic presence.
The traditional way of celebrating the feast has been to wear red clothing, give food to the needy, and observe fast on this day. In some parts of the world, people have a rather symbolic interpretation of this day.
Who Was St.Joseph?
Since Joseph was a father to Jesus, his life is considered an example of what a father figure should be. Hence, some cultures also celebrate Father’s Day, with honoring Saint Joseph and fathers together. St. Joseph’s Day is also celebrated by rehearsing a mixture of English, Italian, and Spanish scriptures.
St. Joseph’s Day is also a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph’s intercessions saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So, in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick’s Day. Most of the bakeries on Historic Federal Hill bake the most luscious and decadent Italian delicacy called Zeppole, which is a celebration in itself.
The Feast of St. Joseph takes place every year on or about March 20th. During the Federal Hill Summer Festival, St. Joseph is also honored by a procession along Atwells Avenue, with a living rosary.
Attending mass on this special day is a great way to honor and show your respect for St. Joseph and to the Italian community in our state.
WHERE TO FIND DELICIOUS ZEPPOLES IN RHODE ISLAND…
Zeppoles are the traditional Italian pastry eaten to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day. This Neapolitan pastry was created in the 1800s, and is made of baked or fried dough, and filled with either cream or custard, then topped with powdered sugar and a cherry.
Here are some spots to pick up this delicious Italian treat around the state…
Angelo’s
Providence
DeLuise Bakery
LaSalle Bakery
Scialo Brothers Bakery
Providence
Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express
Johnston
Wright’s Dairy Farm
North Smithfield
Antonio’s Bakery
Warwick
D.Palmieri’s Bakery
Johnston
Original Italian Bakery
Johnston
Pastryland Bakery
Smithfield
The irresistible Neapolitan pastry was first created in the 1800s, by Don Pasquale Pintauro, and has always been the traditional, popular Italian pastry that honors the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day.
Providence’s iconic Federal Hill neighborhood is well known as the most popular destination for celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph and the zeppole… Buon appetito!
