The Feast of San Giuseppe in Villafrati

San Giuseppe is the Patron Saint of Villafrati, a municipality of approximately 3.000 inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, between Ficuzza Wood and Rosemary Lake. In the month of March all the faithful celebrate the Feast of San Giuseppe in Villafrati, between old traditions and new customs, which make this festival a unique event: while in the past it was customary to lay out a rich table as an offering for the poor, today local families who want to make a vow prepare the St. Joseph paste; the pasta is then cooked in a large pot directly on the street, in front of one's front door, to be offered to passers-by.
After eating, the faithful remain together to recite the rosary and await the Priest's blessing. In the Church, the faithful also find the traditional sweet bread in the shape of work tools, in memory of San Giuseppe.

Even in the month of August there is one Feast of St. Joseph in Villafrati, when the livestock and ancient work tools fair is organized in the village, as well as the Procession.

The history of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Villafrati

Tradition, on the day of Feast of St. Joseph he wanted three faithful from the town to go to Mass impersonating the Holy Family, with historical clothes and the characteristic flowering stick of St. Joseph. Once the function was over, the three used to go to one of the local families for lunch. Once they reached their destination, the three met the traditional laid table, dedicated precisely to them: after the Priest's blessing, lunch began.

Today the tradition has changed, and instead of the laid table, it is prepared fresh pasta homemade, seasoned with broad beans, peas, lentils, beans, chestnuts and other local ingredients.

When does the Feast of San Giuseppe take place?

La Feast of San Giuseppe in Villafrati takes place every year 19 March, but also on the last Sunday of August, in the village, the memory of patron saint.

Where the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place

La Feast of St. Joseph it takes place in the houses of the centre, which for the occasion become refreshment and welcome points for the faithful, while the function takes place in the Church.

What to do during the Feast of San Giuseppe

Like a faithful pilgrim, the visitor who arrives at Villafrati in the period of Feast of St. Joseph, can join the local faithful to pray, receive the blessing and then taste the typical one St. Joseph paste; by staying a few days in the town, the visitor will also be able to discover the artistic and architectural beauties of the place, in particular the Baglio and the Door of the Mysteries, entrance to the Mother Church consecrated to the SS. Trinity.

The Baglio it is an ancient complex built in the eighteenth century and belonged to a noble family of Norman origin; this place, once rich in ornaments and furnishings, is today a witness to the history of Villafrati, with its large spaces, courtyards and theatre.
La Door of the Mysteries with its bronze panels, however, it is part of the most important religious building in the country, where the story of Villafrati is told, when supernatural and human meet.

In the town there are other churches that the visitor will certainly find interesting, namely the Church of Sant'Antonio da Padova, built in 1745, and the Church of SS. Trinity, also from the XNUMXth century and Mother Church of the town, which houses splendid works of art such as oil paintings and marble altars.

In the immediate vicinity of Villafrati, are also found archaeological sites interesting as the prehistoric colony of Chiarastella or Baths of Cefalà, a spa facility of Arab origins.

From Villafrati, it is possible to reach Palermo in just 50 minutes by car, to admire the beauties of the capital and relax on the Mondello beach.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of St. Joseph

Villafrati, in Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be easily reached either in the car, both on the train.

Who arrives by car, you can take the A19 Palermo-Catania, then turning at the exit for Altavilla Milicia, about 16 km from the centre.
While on the train, by booking a ride to Trabia station, 17 km from Villafrati, you can get to the town by taking the bus or shuttle at the station.