St. Joseph's Day 2010: HISTORY, Facts, Traditions, How To Celebrate

St. Joseph's Day 2010, also known as The Feast Of St. Joseph or La Festa di San Giuseppe, is being celebrated today, March 19, 2010.

Traditionally held two days after St. Patrick's Day, St. Joseph's Day has the strongest roots and traditions in Italy and it commemorates the feast day of St. Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary.

Besides being celebrated by the Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Day is commemorated by the Anglican Community and Lutheran Church. On Western calendars since the 10th century, St. Joseph's Day was accepted in Rome in 1479 and added to the General Roman Calendar for celebration in 1621.

Italian-Americans hold St. Joseph's Day with a special importance, especially those with family from Sicily, "where St. Joseph is as important as St. Patrick is in Ireland," per ABC-7 in Chicago.

St. Joseph was credited with preventing a famine in Sicily and as a result, the day is commonly commemorated with a festival and special feast. Parades and processions are also held in Italy on this day.

Traditionally, red is worn on St. Joseph's Day, so if you have red you can celebrate the day by doing so.

You might also venture to an Italian restaurant, as several across America are having specials for St. Joseph's Day today, including special pastries like sfinge and zeppole. It's worth checking your local listings.