Le tavole di San Giuseppe

On your holiday in Salento you will be fascinated by the wonderful folk traditions that make this land a priceless treasure. On 19 March, you can wander around the huge and impressive tables set in honour of St Joseph. These are set up by placing various local dishes on the table, such as lampascioni or turnips, 'vermiceddhri' (a type of pasta with cabbage) or fried fish, zeppola pittule, doughnut-shaped bread, fennel and much more. You may be interested to know that all the food on the table can be eaten at noon on 19 March by the 'saints', impersonated by friends or relatives of the respective families. The number varies from a minimum of three, representing St Joseph, baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, to a maximum of thirteen, as long as the odd number is maintained. Preparation for the event begins a few weeks beforehand: some devout families prepare bread or a traditional pastry - the so-called 'massa e ciciri' - to share with all who come to the house. The rite of the massa has a very old tradition behind it, based on the preparation of the dishes to the rhythm of prayers formulated verbally, followed by the recitation of the rosary during the distribution of the food, as a formula for sanctification. The tradition requires the offering family not to eat anything they have donated, except the leftovers. In ancient times, invited guests were poor people who could enjoy a free hearty meal; today, with improved economic conditions, it is customary to place only a few symbolic dishes at the table, such as lampascioni, fried fish, zeppola and fruit to be enjoyed among friends. You will have the unique opportunity to participate in this exciting event, especially in the municipalities of San Donaci and San Pancrazio Salentino, and take part in a tradition of fervent devotion.