The Tavole di San Giuseppe: Salento traditions in March 2025
THE TABLE OF SAN GIUSEPPE is a mysterious and deep-rooted tradition in Salento, whose origins probably date back to medieval times. This custom began with the “patrune”, the local lord, offering an annual meal to the needy, prompting some families to prepare large quantities of “massa” to share with neighbours and friends in need. The veneration of St Joseph in Salento is intertwined with folk and devotional practices, and the tradition of the “tavolata” is said to have been brought to Apulia by Albanian refugees fleeing Turkish incursions. Until recently, in some areas of Salento Albania, tables were set on the evening of 18 March, giving rise to the famous “tavolate”. During these celebrations, the image of the saint was placed at the centre of the table, lit by lamps, while devotees and visitors gathered to admire the food and recite praises. The following day, the prepared food was distributed, thus continuing a tradition of solidarity and devotion that unites communities and celebrates the figure of St Joseph.St Joseph’s tables: Salento traditions in March 2025
Purpose of the tables
The worshipper sets up the Tavolata to express gratitude to the saint after receiving a grace. Preparation begins at the beginning of the month, involving the family and neighbourhood in the creation of mass and bread. The tables are set in the largest room of the house, with special attention paid to the quality of the food, as the best must be offered to the Saint. During St Joseph’s time, the worshipper invites relatives and friends to represent the saints, avoiding cheese, eggs and meat. Each table must include a maximum of thirteen dishes.
Tutti a tavola: St Joseph’s Table Dishes
St Joseph’s tables are divided into cooked and uncooked, with preparations beginning a few days before and culminating the night before the feast. On the tables, large doughnut-shaped loaves are placed, weighing between 3 and 5 kg, with an orange and a fennel in the centre. The dishes served include vegetable soups, fresh pasta, cooked vegetables, fried fish, stockfish, ritual sweets and wine, which is consumed only with the savoury dishes, alternating with them. Specialities include “pampasciuni”, “massa”, “vermiceddhri cu ‘llu mele”, “ciciri”, “rape”, “stoccapesce”, “pesce frittu”, and “pittule”.
On St Joseph’s day, the parish priest blesses the cooked tables, while the raw ones are blessed on the eve. St Joseph is considered the “Master” of the event and presides over the meal, marked by a paper-lined stick and a bouquet of flowers with a blue ribbon. The Saint starts the meal by tapping his stick on the floor and interrupts the meal with a flick of his fork on the plate, inviting everyone to pause to recite a prayer and move on to the next dish. This tradition not only celebrates St Joseph, but also represents a moment of community and sharing among the participants.
The most beautiful and important tables of St Joseph
In Minervino di Lecce, from 16 to 19 March 2025, the event “Borghi divini tra Santi, fiabe e megaliti” (Divine villages among saints, fairy tales and megaliths), with Tavole di San Giuseppe (St Joseph’s Tables), takes place. Organised by the municipality and “Mercatino del Gusto”, it includes cultural, gastronomic and religious events, with the preparation of 13 traditional dishes to celebrate the saints.
St Joseph, patron saint of harvests, is venerated in Poggiardo in the church of the Transfiguration, where there is an 18th-century painting. On 19 March, a papier-mâché statue is carried in procession. Three Tables of St Joseph will be set up in various places from 18 to 19 March, with events and food distribution.
The 48th Sagra di San Giuseppe in San Cassiano celebrates “food as a gift”. From 20 to 22 March, the Tavole di San Giuseppe will offer an experience of scents and flavours. On 22 March, the extraordinary opening of the Miab, the lighting of the focara, and a concert by the Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino will enrich the event.
Giurdignano will celebrate “La Grande Tavola di San Giuseppe” on 18 and 19 March, honouring the patron saint of workers. The event will include a special narration by Fabio Rubino and typical dishes at the Pro Loco stands. The celebration will culminate with religious rites and a fireworks display.
The Tavole di San Giuseppe (Tables of St Joseph) return to Uggiano la Chiesa and Casamassella, with some 35 tables offering traditional dishes such as mass and chickpeas, oranges and sweets. The rite, linked to pre-Christian traditions, is held on 18 and 19 March, celebrating the patron saint of the family and crops.
In conclusion, we sincerely thank you for taking the time to read our article on St Joseph’s tables. Living and participating in these traditions is essential to keep the community spirit alive and support the organisers in their efforts. Every contribution, even the smallest, helps to preserve our cultural roots and pass them on to future generations. We at “A Locanda tu Marchese” are committed to carrying on these traditions with passion in our urban masseria in Matino, and your support is essential to continue this wonderful initiative. Thank you again!
