A little reason to celebrate
St. Joseph's Day
Religious ยท March 19
St. Joseph's Day, the Feast of Saint Joseph, honors Joseph of Nazareth with church services, shared meals and, in some communities, St. Joseph's tables.
St. Joseph's Day falls on Friday, March 19, 2027. That is 143 days away.
Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus in Christian tradition, has his own feast day. It is observed by Catholics and some other Christians around the world, and it is marked in the United States too, especially in parishes and families with Italian roots.
Joseph is a quiet figure in the Gospels. He says almost nothing, but he acts: he protects his family, moves them when told to, and works as a carpenter. Because of that, many people think of him as a patron of workers, fathers and families.
The day usually begins with Mass for those who observe it. In many Italian American communities it also brings the St. Joseph's table, sometimes called a St. Joseph's altar. These are tiered displays of bread, pastries, fruit and meatless dishes, often set up in a church hall or a home and shared with visitors and people in need. The breads can be shaped into crosses, staffs and other symbols.
Pastries are a large part of the tradition. Zeppole, fried or baked rounds of dough filled with cream, and sfingi, light fried puffs, show up in bakeries and kitchens. Some people also carry home a dried fava bean from the table, a custom tied to old stories of Sicilian famine.
New Orleans is well known for its St. Joseph's altars, which neighbors open to anyone who wants to visit.
Ways to celebrate
- Look for a St. Joseph's table at a local parish and visit respectfully.
- Try a zeppole or sfingi from a neighborhood Italian bakery.
- Bake a simple loaf of bread and share it with a neighbor.
- Read the passages about Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Ask an older relative about family traditions for the feast.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, March 19 |
| 2027 | Friday, March 19 |
| 2028 | Sunday, March 19 |
| 2029 | Monday, March 19 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, March 19 |
Also on March 19
- National Chocolate Caramel Day
- National Poultry Day
- National Let's Laugh Day
- National Backyard Day
- Certified Nurses Day
Categories: Religious days