Making Perfect Zeppole to Celebrate St. Joseph's Day
The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated every year on March 19, a custom established by Rome back in 1479. In Sicily, Saint Joseph is seen by many as their Patron Saint, as he is credited with preventing a famine in the Middle Ages. As the people’s prayers to their saint were answered, a large feast and celebration were prepared to honor St Joseph. Many people wear red on St. Joseph’s Day, similar to the green attire seen on St. Patrick’s Day two days earlier.
Zeppole, Neapolitan pastry created in the 1800s by Don Pasquale Pintauro, is the traditional Italian pastry eaten to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day. Zeppole are baked or fried dough filled with either cream or custard, then topped with powdered sugar and a cherry … delizioso!
Check out the video below to see how Scialo Bros. Bakery makes perfect zeppole. This more than 100-year-old bakery is one of many Italian eateries in Providence's iconic Federal Hill neighborhood celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph. Buon appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is St. Joseph’s Day?
St. Joseph’s Day, also called the Feast of St. Joseph, is celebrated every year on March 19.
- What are zeppole?
Zeppole are traditional Italian pastries made from baked or fried dough, filled with cream or custard, and topped with powdered sugar and a cherry. They’re the classic treat for St. Joseph’s Day.
- Why do people eat zeppole on St. Joseph’s Day?
Zeppole are a traditional way to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, who is honored in Sicily for preventing a famine during the Middle Ages.
- Why do people wear red on St. Joseph’s Day?
Wearing red is a St. Joseph’s Day tradition, similar to wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day two days earlier.
- Where can I buy zeppole in Providence?
Federal Hill bakeries, including Scialo Bros. Bakery, a Providence institution for more than 100 years, make zeppole for St. Joseph’s Day.
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