Feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe

Sicily is an island of great culture, history and with many beautiful traditions handed down from generation to generation. In particular every year in the small town of Valguarnera Caropepein the province of Enna, we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph: a religious occasion that fascinates the citizens but also the inhabitants of the neighboring municipalities who come in large numbers.

When the Feast of San Giuseppe is held in Valguarnera Caropepe

The feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe is held in the month of March and in particular on 19 March, the day in which the Christian calendar remembers the figure of Saint Joseph who acted as father to Jesus. The celebrations, in reality, begin on March 10 because the commemoration is preceded by a novenary with moments of prayer and gathering for the whole community under the guidance of the parish priest who makes us reflect on some aspects of the figure and life of Saint Joseph. During the prayers the patriarch of all the families is implored so that he can give protection and support the sick.

The history of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe

The feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe is among the most beautiful traditions of the province of Enna. An appointment that is renewed every year in the days preceding the anniversary of Saint Joseph, in particular from 10 to 19 March. Among other things, it is the ideal moment to be able to appreciate in all its magnificence the ancient fercolo used to carry the statue of Saint Joseph in procession. This structure was built in 1827 thanks to the interest of Don Vito Boscarino and in 1922 it was restored. The origins of the festival date back to the sixteenth century, a period in which there was great devotion in the community as demonstrated by the many religious constructions of the period such as altars and churches to honor the memory of Saint Joseph.

The Feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe: the description of the event

Tradition has it that devotees who have received grace from the Saint come together to set up what are called the tables of Saint Joseph.

Rich tables are set with many dishes of the local culinary tradition with the aim of thanking the Saint and jointly welcoming spring. Some are built wooden boards to obtain a single body on which a staircase of 4-5 steps is created to reach a maximum length of 4 m. The enormous tables are then set up using tablecloths embroidered with fine fabrics such as linen. There are many goodies that can be appreciated by those who participate in the party such as the loaf which is a typical local dessert prepared with honey, cannoli with ricotta or cream, cassatelle, almonds, nougat and many other goodies obtained with quality products.

Ample space, as happens historically in the Christian religion, is also given to bread prepared by the best local bakers using genuine flours. The bread is shaped by hand to take the shape of some tools that represent the activities of the carpenter such as Saint Joseph, i.e. the hammer or the ladder. You get shapes that are also quite common for Christian symbolism, including angels, grapes and donkeys. The bread is then finished with a brushing of egg and paparina and poppy seeds.

On March 19th the ceremony begins in the sacristy of the local church with a procession of the Holy Family followed by all the faithful. An ancient prayer will then be repeated in local dialect with Saint Joseph who will have to peel an orange to share with his family, Mary and Baby Jesus. In the evening we proceed with the procession of the Saint carried precisely on the fercolo between the various streets of the historic center.

What to do and see during the Feast of San Giuseppe in Valguarnera Caropepe

Visiting Valguarnera Caropepe on the occasion of the feast of San Giuseppe also means being able to appreciate important monuments and locations of interest. You can take a look at the gorgeous mother church dedicated to San Cristoforo or the remains of the Convent called Cumm'n'tazz.

Among the most interesting destinations in the surrounding area, there are also incredible natural attractions such as Floristella-Grottacalda Mining Park, less than 15 minutes away from the town and Lake Pergusa, where nature has forever been linked to myth, in the story of Persephone's kidnapping.

How to get to Valguarnera Caropepe

By car:, to get to Valguarnera Caropepe coming from Enna you need to travel about 21 km in less than half an hour via the SP4 provincial road. For those arriving from Messina, the route requires a journey of over 170 km in just over two hours via the A18 motorway and then the A19 motorway in the direction of E932.