Le Tavole di San Giuseppe

A votive tradition in the heart of the Val di Sangro

Le Tavole di San Giuseppe are the defining identity of Monteferrante, a tiny village of just over a hundred inhabitants nestled at an altitude of 800 meters on a natural terrace overlooking the Val di Sangro in the province of Chieti (Abruzzo). From the shores of Lake Bomba to the peaks of the Maiella, the landscape provides a stunning backdrop for an ancient ritual that transforms the medieval streets into an open-air theater of faith and popular devotion every March 19th, the feast day of Saint Joseph.

The vow and the laden tables

On the evening of March 18th, the eve of the feast, families wishing to fulfill a vow or express their devotion set tables overflowing with all kinds of food in their homes or directly in the town square. The meal is eaten standing, accompanied by the recitation of litanies and prayers in honor of the Saint. According to oral tradition, the custom originated from a specific wish of the Saint, who appeared to the founders of two local families, inviting them to share their meal with the poor and to continue this practice in his honor.

The sacred reenactment of the Holy Family

On March 19th, the day of the feast, residents of Monteferrante, chosen for their age and moral standing, portray the "saints" of the Holy Family: Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and the Child Jesus. They are joined by other guests in odd numbers, ranging from three to thirteen. The community and visitors gather around the tables, sharing food and devotion in an atmosphere of authentic village hospitality.

The flavors of Abruzzo tradition

The menu follows the liturgical calendar and draws from traditional Abruzzese cuisine: pasta with tuna and salt cod, vegetables and legumes, as well as dishes from the Marsica region such as maccheroni alla chitarra, sagne e fagioli (pasta with beans), arrosticini, and pecora al cotturo (slow-cooked mutton), all accompanied by produce from the Fucino plateau. Among the typical desserts, li cillit—pastries filled with grape jam and cooked grape must—stand out, alongside the essential zeppole di San Giuseppe.

A ritual that unites the village

Organized by the Pro Loco of Monteferrante, the festival concludes with a large community banquet open to residents and visitors alike. In keeping with tradition, food is offered in exchange for a voluntary donation: there is no fixed price, but rather a gesture of sharing that renews the spirit of solidarity of the original vow each year. Over time, Le Tavole di San Giuseppe have gained regional fame, attracting curious travelers and enthusiasts of Abruzzese folk traditions to one of the most authentic villages in the Province of Chieti.