St. Patrick’s & St. Joseph’s Days in Providence

Providence is home to a variety of cultures and traditions, including large populations of Irish- and Italian-Americans. Restaurants and bars throughout the city will be going green for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, while Providence’s Little Italy, Federal Hill, will be snacking on traditional Italian zeppole on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. You don’t have to be Irish or Italian to join in on the fun.

Recipes

Irish Culture & History

The Providence Public Library houses a special collection featuring Irish, Scottish, and Celtic literature and folklore. The books on Irish literature and folklore were kept together as the Alfred M. Williams Collection on Irish Culture. Years later, a number of valuable books, pamphlets and broadsides were added to the collection. In those broadsides was the 1916 Easter Rising broadside Poblacht na hÉireann, a declaration of independence that is one of the most important documents in Irish history. 

Museum of Newport Irish History

In the heart of Newport’s best known Irish-American neighborhood, visitors will learn about Irish immigration to Newport County from the 1600s to the present and of the many contributions made to our community by individuals of Irish descent. Interpretive Center exhibits are organized around several key aspects of life in the local Irish community and include maps, photographs, video, and artifacts, including some from the construction of Fort Adams, were built with Irish immigrant labor.

Museum of Newport Irish History

Where To Find Zeppole

Zeppole are the traditional Italian pastry eaten to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day. This Neapolitan pastry was created in the 1800s and is made of baked or fried dough filled with either cream or custard, then topped with powdered sugar and a cherry. Here are some spots to pick up this delicious Italian treat:

Angelo's
Providence

LaSalle Bakery 
Providence

Luigi's Restaurant & Gourmet Express
Johnston

Wright’s Dairy Farm 
North Smithfield

Antonio’s Bakery 
Warwick

D. Palmieri’s Bakery 
Johnston 

Original Italian Bakery 
Johnston 

Pastryland Bakery 
Smithfield