March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, the putative father of Jesus and patron saint of carpenters, is celebrated with great fervor throughout Italy, and particularly between Rome and Abruzzo, which connect Rome to Abruzzo. A trip along the A24 and A25 highways offers us the opportunity to discover ancient traditions and authentic flavors that celebrate the saint, fathers and the end of the winter season with the first fruits of spring.
Traditions in the province of Chieti
Abruzzo is a region where traditions related to St. Joseph are particularly heartfelt. In Monteferrante (CH), for example, the tradition of the “Tavole di San Giuseppe,” set with typical foods and votive offerings, is renewed every year. This centuries-old tradition sees families in the village prepare elaborate tables laden with typical foods as a sign of devotion and thanksgiving to St. Joseph. Dishes include legumes, homemade pasta, fish, meat and sweets. Tourists and devotees on March 19 will be able to taste what is provided by the families.
In San Martino sulla Marrucina (CH), however, the questua ritual sees the faithful knocking on the doors of houses, collecting offerings for the saint. Questua is an ancient tradition in which groups of the faithful, often accompanied by musicians, walk the streets of the town, knocking on the doors of houses and collecting offerings in honor of St. Joseph. Offerings can be of various kinds, from foodstuffs to money.
In Vasto (CH), where St. Joseph is co-patron, celebrations take on a solemn character, with processions and religious events involving the entire community.
Teramo: St. Joseph’s Fair
The traditional St. Joseph’s Fair in Teramo returns on Sunday, March 16. The fair comes alive along the streets of the city’s historic center with the presence of exhibitors full of food and wine products, plants and flowers celebrating the arrival of spring, the woven wicker of the traditional “baskets,” containers used to collect fruit. Finally, typical sweets with an ancient flavor, starting with the famous “San Giuseppe” zeppole. Of Neapolitan origin, these traditional sweets are reworked by Teramo’s rich gastronomic tradition that sees them mainly baked and filled with custard.
L’Aquila: Saint Joseph the Worker
In the city of L’Aquila, in addition to the March 19 holiday, St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated on May 1. This celebration includes events and culinary traditions related to the saint, among them, the “Panarda di San Giuseppe,” a patagruel collective meal characterized by a long series of courses that was eaten during the festivities.
Rome and Tivoli, between devotion and tastes
In Rome, the feast of St. Joseph is linked to the tradition of cream puffs and zeppole, typical sweets enjoyed during this period. The church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, located in the heart of the Imperial Forum, is an important landmark for the faithful. In the Trionfale district, the procession of St. Joseph is a heartfelt event that attracts many participants.
In Tivoli (RM), St. Joseph’s Day sees the last major traditional fair in the Tiburtine town center. Also this year for March 19, a full day of entertainment and fun is planned in Piazza Garibaldi, designed for all ages: children’s entertainment, puppet shows and magic tricks, music and moments of entertainment and sharing.
