St. Joseph in Western Sicily: a riot of faith and tradition
The feast of San Giuseppe, celebrated on March 19, is a deeply felt event throughout Sicily, but takes on particularly suggestive connotations in the western part of the island. Here, secular traditions merge with popular devotion, giving life to celebrations rich in meaning and folklore.
The tables of San Giuseppe:
The beating heart of the celebrations are the "tables of St. Joseph", sumptuous banquets stored by typical dishes, artistic bread and traditional desserts. These tables, set up in private houses or in public spaces, represent an act of devotion and thanks to the Saint, considered the protector of the poor and orphans.
The Bread of St. Joseph:
A distinctive element of the celebrations is the Bread of St. Joseph, made with symbolic forms that recall the life and virtues of St. Joseph: the cross, the lily, the scale. These loaves, often decorated with meticulous care, are offered during the celebrations and blessed by the priest.
Traditional desserts:
The feast of St. Joseph is also an opportunity to taste the typical sweets of the Sicilian tradition, such as the "sfinci di San Giuseppe", golden pancakes covered with sugar or honey, and the "zeppole", soft fried or oven donuts.
The religious processions and rites:
In addition to the tables and banquets, the feast of San Giuseppe is characterized by solemn processions, during which the statue of the saint is brought to the procession through the streets of the town, accompanied by prayers and songs. In some locations, sacred representations are also held that recall episodes of the life of St. Joseph.
Local traditions:
Each country of western Sicily preserves particular traditions and customs related to the feast of San Giuseppe. In Salemi, for example, the "dinners of San Giuseppe" are set up, large tables stored by typical dishes and decorated with flowers and laurel branches.
The feast of St. Joseph in Western Sicily is therefore an event that has its roots in the history and culture of the island, a moment of devotion, sharing and celebration that involves the entire community.
