- Published in Community
St. Joseph's Day Tradition
Para leer en español, presiona aquí: Tradiciones del Día de San José
By AnaMaria Bech
Being one of the most important tourist sites in the French Quarter, the French Market holds activities and festivals that reflect the special days in the city and highlight its local traditions, such as Saint Joseph’s Day traditions. On a Saturday close to the religious date, the French Market hosts a celebration where the Italian and Black Masking Indian traditions take center stage.
On Saint Joseph’s Day, the legacy of the Italians, mainly from Sicily in New Orleans, is evident. They moved to the city around 1880 and, to this day, continue the tradition of creating an altar to honor Saint Joseph, whom they attribute to having interceded when Sicily went through a drought that had left its inhabitants without food.
Saint Joseph’s Day is March 19; however, the date may be modified if it falls during Holy Week or another solemn celebration. Traditionally built in the shape of a cross on three levels representing the Holy Trinity, hundreds of altars are displayed in the New Orleans area. An image or a statue of St Joseph holding Baby Jesus is placed at the altar’s center and adorned with flowers. The offerings include cakes, breads, cookies, wine, eggs, fish, produce and foods with particular biblical meanings, including fava beans, which signify luck, as it was the only crop that survived the drought. People who visit the altars can take the food and leave petitions or gratitude messages to Saint Joseph on the altar.
Another tradition linked to St. Joseph’s Day is the celebration of the Black Masking Indians. Historical accounts explain that the atmosphere of celebration prompted the Black Masking Indians to join the occasion to celebrate their own culture and identity, which became a yearly tradition. Over the years, the celebration has become more widespread. Super Sunday was officially established to celebrate Black Masking Indian culture with a parade on the third Sunday of March. Tribes take the streets of the Central City neighborhood to march, sing their songs, dance and meet the other tribes, and display their majestic suits in all their splendor before retiring from public view for the year.
The French Market ensures that locals and tourists learn about these traditions and provides a space for a St. Joseph altar and live Italian music performances. They also invite tribes of the Black Masked Indians to perform their dances and songs and show their costumes. This year, the celebration of Saint Joseph at the French Market will be on Saturday, March 9, starting at 11 am. It will include information panels, interviews, and cooking demonstrations to teach about these beautiful traditions that are part of New Orleans' unique culture.