St. Joseph’s Day is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph’s intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick’s Day. All the bakeries on Historic Federal Hill baked the most luscious and decedent, Italian delicacy called Zeppole that is a celebration in itself.
The Feast of St. Joseph takes place every year on March 19th. During the Federal Hill Summer Festival, St. Joseph is honored by a procession along Atwells Avenue with a living rosary.