La Festa di San Giuseppi
March 19 is the day the swallows return to Capistrano. An island off the coast of California. The locals take note of that day with a festival to mark their return. It is also marks Saint Joseph's Day. A day held in high esteem by Italians and Americans of Italian decent. It is a feast day on the calender of the Roman Catholic church. It is also a feast day in the Anglican and Lutheran church. St. Joseph is the step father of Jesus and the husband of Mary, In some places it is also considered on a par or takes it's place as fathers days in southern romance language countries as Portugal Spain and Italy. It is also considered a patron saint in Canada and Poland. Many cities in America celebrate the day in grand fashion. New Orleans being one of them. St Joseph, a carpenter, is considered to be the patron saint of the working man and those who are unemployed but seeking work. St Joseph was also the protector of Jesus and his mother the blessed Mary.
The day is celebrated with offerings of food. For it was a famine that led Sicilians to pray in unison for the famine to end with a successful crop. Thus averting starvation for many at that time. Gift s of fava beans, which represents the means by which the famine was averted. In many places, the return of migrating fish to spawning waters, St. Josephs Day marks the beginning of the return of those species. Such as stripped bass and salmon. There are other stories and folk lore that are connected to a response to their prayers to St. Joseph. Red is the color of the day and celebrants wear the color red. Much as St. Patricks Day celebrants wear green.
Traditionally a table is set for the day. Either at home or in a public setting or church. St. Joseph's Day falls during lent and therefore the feast is meatless. Some of the traditional dishes are artichokes stuffed with seasoned breadcrumb and cheese. Anther is a pasta dish that is made with fennel and anchovies or what some call sardi. A small fish similar to sardines. A very popular dish native to southern Italy. primarily Naples, Calabria and Sicily. Fava beans are also included in the menu. Breads also mark the day and fill the table. There are pastries called sfingi zeppoli that are filled with a custard cream or a ricotta cream. They are delicious. It would be wise to save your appetite to enjoy a cup of espresso and one of these tasty pastries. Although Italian feasts and other feasts go on for ever and there is plenty of time to rest, and digest and start again.
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