The Feast of St. Joseph is an annual staple in Malta’s calendar of feasts that stands out as a cherished tradition that showcases the island’s deep Catholic heritage. Celebrated annually on March 19th, this feast honours the patron saint of fathers, workers, and the Universal Church with solemn reverence and joyful festivities. March 19th is also a public holiday in Malta.
The Feast of Saint Joseph, known locally as “Festa San Ġużepp”, is celebrated at the St. Mary of Jesus church in Rabat, Malta. The church is managed by the Friars Minor (O.F.M.). Rabat is the neighbouring town of the old capital city of Malta, Mdina. A curiosity is that feast of St. Joseph always occurs during Lent, within the Easter season.
Historical Background of Festa San Ġużepp
The devotion to St. Joseph in Malta dates back centuries, with roots in the strong Catholic identity that was reinforced during the rule of the Knights of St. John (1530-1798). Historical records indicate that churches dedicated to St. Joseph began appearing across the Maltese islands from the 16th century onward.
The formal feast celebration gained significant momentum in the late 19th century when Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. This proclamation elevated St. Joseph’s importance throughout the Catholic world, including Malta, where new parishes and churches were subsequently dedicated to him.
The evolution of St. Joseph’s feast in Malta reflects the island’s changing historical circumstances:
- During the Knights’ Era (1530-1798), Early devotional practices to St. Joseph were established. However, they were overshadowed by devotions to St. John the Baptist and St. Paul.
- British Colonial Period (1800-1964): As Maltese cultural identity became increasingly intertwined with Catholicism during British rule, feast celebrations, including St. Joseph’s, became important expressions of Maltese heritage and identity.
- Post-Independence Era (1964-present): The feast of St. Joseph grew popular as Malta embraced its independent identity while maintaining its strong Catholic traditions.
The Feast of St Joseph Celebration
The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated both within and outside the church. It is primarily a religious feast that gathers the faithful for devotion to St. Joseph. For a more lively side of the feast, it also extends to the streets.
Religious Ceremonies
The heart of St. Joseph’s feast in Malta revolves around religious observances that reflect the island’s deep Catholic devotion:
- Novena: Beginning nine days before the feast, dedicated prayers to St. Joseph are recited daily in parishes across Malta, especially those dedicated to the saint.
- Solemn Mass: On March 19th, a High Mass is celebrated with particular splendour in St. Joseph parishes. The Mass typically features enhanced choir performances, homilies focused on St. Joseph’s virtues, and increased attendance from parishioners and visitors alike.
- Liturgical Procession: Inside the church, a solemn procession carries the Blessed Sacrament, often followed by veneration of a relic of St. Joseph where available.
The External Celebrations
Beyond the church walls, the feast takes on a more festive character:
- Statue Procession: The highlight of external celebrations is the procession of St. Joseph’s statue through the town streets. In Rabat, the statue—beautifully adorned with flowers and carried on the shoulders of devoted parishioners—makes its way through crowded streets as onlookers pay their respects.
- Band Marches: Local band clubs perform traditional Maltese marches throughout the day, creating a jubilant atmosphere. Morning marches often feature lighter music, while evening performances showcase more complex compositions written explicitly for feast days.
- Street Decorations: In the weeks leading up to the feast, streets in St. Joseph parishes transform with:
- Elaborate banners and flags bearing images of the saint
- Festoons of coloured lights strung between buildings
- Decorative statues and religious art displays on street corners
- Red and white bunting (colours associated with St. Joseph) along building façades
- Fireworks: As with most Maltese feasts, fireworks play an essential role. Daytime displays (“murtali”) echo thunderous booms across the locality. At the same time, evening pyrotechnic shows light up the night sky with complex patterns and colours.
Community Involvement
The feast of St. Joseph brings communities together in numerous ways:
- Voluntary Decorating: Weeks before the feast, volunteers gather to prepare street decorations, clean the church, and arrange flowers for the altar and statue.
- Family Gatherings: Many Maltese families use the feast day as an occasion for special meals together, particularly those with family members named Joseph (Ġużeppi) or Josephine (Ġużeppina).
- Street Vendors: Food stalls selling traditional Maltese treats line the festa route, with a special emphasis on the zeppoli pastries associated with St. Joseph.
Special Traditions
Several unique customs are explicitly associated with St. Joseph’s feast:
- St. Joseph’s Table (Mejda ta’ San Ġużepp): Some parishes and families prepare a unique table laden with bread, pastries, and seasonal foods to symbolize St. Joseph’s providence and care for the Holy Family.
- Blessing of Tools: In recognition of St. Joseph as the patron saint of workers, some parishes offer a special blessing of work tools during the feast.
- Charity Initiatives: Many communities organize charitable activities around the feast, reflecting St. Joseph’s protective role and care for the vulnerable.
Traditional Food During the Feast of St. Joseph
Żeppoli ta’ San Ġużepp: The Signature Treat
St. Joseph’s feast’s most iconic culinary tradition is the Żeppoli ta’ San Ġużepp (also known locally as sfinnec ta’ San Ġużepp). These delectable pastries honour the saint and have become synonymous with his celebration in Malta:
- Appearance and Preparation: Traditional Maltese żeppoli are ring-shaped pastries made from choux pastry, fried until golden, and then filled with sweetened ricotta cream.
- Decoration: They are typically dusted with powdered sugar and adorned with a cherry or candied fruit. Some versions feature a small chocolate garnish or pistachio crumbles.
- Symbolism: The circular shape is said to represent the wedding ring of St. Joseph, while some interpretations suggest it symbolizes the completeness of the Holy Family.
- Availability: While bakeries across Malta prepare these treats throughout March, the most authentic versions can be found in pastry shops near St. Joseph parishes, particularly in Rabat, Msida, and Kalkara.
Feast Day Table Specialties
Beyond żeppoli, other foods become prominent during the feast:
- Fenkata (Rabbit Stew): As with many Maltese celebrations, rabbit stew is often prominently in family meals on St. Joseph’s Day, especially for larger family gatherings.
- Fresh Seasonal Bread: Special bread loaves, sometimes shaped with symbols associated with St. Joseph (like his staff or lily), are baked for the occasion.
- Minestra (Vegetable Soup): This hearty, traditional Maltese vegetable soup represents the simplicity and humility associated with St. Joseph.
- Lampuki Pie (Fish Pie): If the feast falls during Lent, fish dishes like lampuki pie become popular alternatives to meat-based meals.
Mejda ta’ San Ġużepp (St. Joseph’s Table)
In some Maltese parishes and households, a unique tradition of setting up St. Joseph’s Table is observed:
- Purpose: This table spread represents St. Joseph’s role as a provider for the Holy Family and serves as a form of thanksgiving.
- Contents: The table typically includes:
- Various types of bread and pasta
- Seasonal vegetables and fruits
- Olive oil and wine
- Fava beans (symbolizing spring)
- Pastries and sweets, especially those containing figs or honey
- Charitable Aspect: Following tradition, portions from St. Joseph’s Table are often shared with those in need, emphasizing the charitable dimension of the feast.
Conclusion
The Feast of St. Joseph captures the essence of Maltese cultural identity. Faith, family, and tradition converge in vibrant celebration in this place. As processions wind through ancient streets and communities gather in shared devotion, visitors witness Malta at its most authentic.
This centuries-old tradition demonstrates how Malta preserves its rich heritage while embracing the present. The feast offers more than spectacular displays and delicious treats; it provides a window into the Maltese soul—where craftsmanship is valued, community bonds are strengthened, and faith is expressed through solemn reverence and joyful festivities.
Whether you’re drawn by cultural curiosity or spiritual interest, experiencing the Feast of St. Joseph connects you to an unbroken chain of traditions that defines Malta’s uniqueness.
