In North America, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June. The tradition was started in 1910, and it’s a day that honours fatherhood.
Children handcraft special cards for their Dads. Gifts are bought and wrapped. Families get together for a barbecue with Dad’s favourite foods. It’s quite a laid-back-kind-of-day for the whole family.
In Italy, Father’s Day or Festa del Papà is actually celebrated on March 19th. With Italy’s deep roots in Catholicism, many feasts and festivals recall a religious event and this is also the case for the celebration of Italian Dads. March 19th is Saint Joseph’s day, the day dedicated to the earthly father of Jesus. San Guiseppe is a fatherly symbol of love, compassion, kindness, generosity and acceptance.
Until 1977, it was a public holiday in Italy. Similar to our North American traditions, cards are made and small gifts are purchased. Most families go to mass and then gather around the table to enjoy Dad’s favourite cibo and vino. In many cities, there are outdoor festivals with dancing and special foods.
If you have a sweet tooth, you would enjoy the bigné di San Giuseppe – the most famous culinary symbol of this day – a sweet pastry filled with cream, custard or jam. It is eaten in almost every region in Italy. In southern Italy, you’ll find the famous zeppole di San Giuseppe, which are similar to the bigné, but larger, filled with custard and topped with black cherries.
However you celebrate Father’s Day, whether with family, friends or a brunch for one, we hope you enjoy your day.
Alla prossima – until next time. Arrivederci.
