On March 19th, Italy celebrates La Festa di San Giuseppe or commonly known as Saint Joseph's Day.
On this day in Italy you will find many cafè's selling
Zeppole di San Giuseppe a traditional pastry served today. The pastry is filled with a sweet cream and dusted with powdered sugar. I enjoyed my Zeppole with sweet strawberries and an espresso.
Throughout Italy this day is significant to Sicilians for whom Saint Joseph is a Patron Saint. On this day you will find Italians all over the world honoring the patron saint of all fathers Saint Joseph.
One of the celebrations takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Catholics in New Orleans celebrate St. Joseph's Day by constructing large altars to honor St. Joseph. The tradition began in the late 1800's when Sicilians immigrates settled in New Orleans.
What makes the New Orleans celebration special is the contributions of the Mardi Gras Indians, whom are not Native Americans but African Americans dressed in regalia based on Native Americans history. You can view these historic tribes on Mardi Gras day, Super Sunday the Sunday closest to La Festa di San Giuseppe.
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| Photo by American Documentary |
Photo provided by Rebecca Todd, NOTMC
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