Tastes and traditions: the feast of St. Joseph in Santa Croce Camerina.
In the heart of the province of Ragusa, in Santa Croce Camerina, an ancient and engaging festival comes to life: the celebration of St. Joseph. This event is a true return to the roots, a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the centuries-old traditions that make this community unique.
Traditional dinners to visit
St. Joseph’s “dinners” are one of the central elements of this festival, dating as far back as 1832, when Baron Guglielmo Vitale left the Mother Church the annuity of three vineyards to honor the Holy Patriarch. Since then, the community has gathered to prepare tables full of traditional local dishes, a tribute to Sicilian culture and gastronomy.
The atmosphere of St. Joseph’s dinners is magical and engaging. Carefully set tables, embellished with bitter oranges, lemons and a small altar with the Holy Family, lit by an oil lamp. “a lampa” and on either side “u lauri,” wheat sprouted in the dark. The characteristic dishes, such as codfish, rice balls, pastizzi, “asparagus omelets,” various kinds of cookies and sweets such as “cubaita,” “torrone,” “scaurati,” “cicirieddi,” “mastazzola,” and “mustata,” early vegetables and fragrant flowers such as “fresia e balicu,” invite a journey into the flavors of the past.
St. Joseph’s famous bread
But the real star of the festival is St. Joseph’s Bread, also known as“pani pulitu,” a true symbol of local tradition, so important that it is included among the intangible assets of the Region of Sicily. Alongside the bread is St. Joseph’s pasta,“a principissedda,” seasoned with tomato sauce, salt cod, wild fennel and chili pepper, a tribute to the three saints of the Holy Family.
Solidarity for the underprivileged
But the feast of St. Joseph is not only about gastronomy: it is also a time of solidarity and sharing. Many faithful prepare typical dishes to offer them to the less fortunate, demonstrating generosity and love for others.
The detailed program
The city administration, together with associations and citizens, has organized a rich program of events that will take place from March 17 to 20. From the opening of the art exhibition to the traditional St. Joseph’s Day auction, through concerts, performances and guided tours, there really is something for everyone.
For tourists visiting Santa Croce Camerina, the Feast of St. Joseph is an unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and beauty of the area. Thanks to the services offered by the municipality, such as guided tours to museums and the Passamano historical walking trail, it is possible to have an authentic and unforgettable experience.
More info on the social page of the Municipality of Santa Croce Camerina
