Saint Joseph's Feast
The tradition of devotional pasta and chickpeas on the Swiss border
About Saint Joseph's Feast
Saint Joseph and Pasta e Ceci
In Lavena Ponte Tresa, in the Province of Varese, on the border with Switzerland, the Feast of Saint Joseph is a religious and popular tradition that is renewed every year in March. The symbolic dish of the feast is the devotional pasta and chickpeas, linked to the figure of the saint, distributed to the faithful according to a rite rooted in peasant culture and popular devotion.
A Tradition Since 2007
The event has been active since 2007 and is promoted by the "Quattro Evangelisti" Pastoral Community in collaboration with the Reatium Cultural Association. It is divided into two main moments: the distribution of pasta and chickpeas at the oratory of the SS. Crocifisso church and the solemn mass on Saint Joseph's Day, March 19th.
Votive Bread and Blessing of Fathers
The solemn mass is enriched by liturgical elements that make this feast special: the distribution of votive bread, the blessing of fathers - on the occasion of Father's Day which falls on March 19th - and the singing of the polyphonic choir. It is a moment that unites faith, family, and tradition, enhancing the role of the family as a small community.
A Village on Lake Lugano
Lavena Ponte Tresa is a charming village overlooking Lake Lugano, a meeting point between Lombardy and the Canton of Ticino. The Feast of Saint Joseph is an opportunity to capture the authentic and devotional spirit of this border community, between spirituality and popular heritage.
Saint Joseph's Feast — edition 2026
The 2026 Feast of Saint Joseph in Lavena Ponte Tresa is divided into two events. Sunday, March 15th, at 12:30 PM, at the SS. Crocifisso church oratory, devotional pasta and chickpeas will be distributed, to be enjoyed with family: bring a container by 12:00 PM.
Wednesday, March 19th, Saint Joseph's Day, at 8:30 PM in the SS. Crocifisso church, the solemn mass will be celebrated, with the distribution of votive bread, the blessing of fathers, and the singing of the "Don Giorgio Quaglia" Polyphonic Choir. The 2026 edition highlights the role of the family as a small domestic Church.
Programme Saint Joseph's Feast 2026
Sunday, March 15th, 2026
- 12:30 PM — Distribution of devotional pasta and chickpeas at the SS. Crocifisso oratory (bring a container by 12:00 PM)
Wednesday, March 19th, 2026 — Saint Joseph's Day
- 8:30 PM — Solemn mass in the SS. Crocifisso church, with distribution of votive bread, blessing of fathers, and singing by the "Don Giorgio Quaglia" Polyphonic Choir
Highlights Saint Joseph's Feast 2026
The distribution of devotional pasta and chickpeas and the solemn mass with votive bread and blessing of fathers.
Prices Saint Joseph's Feast 2026
Practical information — Saint Joseph's Feast
How to Get There
Lavena Ponte Tresa is located on the Swiss border, on the shores of Lake Lugano, in the Province of Varese. It can be reached by car from the SS233; it is connected to Varese by the FLP railway line. The events take place at the SS. Crocifisso church and oratory.
Information
The distribution of pasta and chickpeas takes place at midday; to receive it, you are asked to bring a container. The solemn mass is in the evening. Events are free admission.
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Where does it take place — Saint Joseph's Feast
Chiesa del SS. Crocifisso