Virginieddi Feast and Saint Joseph's Tables

A tradition that unites the community

The Virginieddi Feast, also known as the Saint Joseph's Tables, is among the most deeply rooted and beloved celebrations in Montemaggiore Belsito, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, nestled in the heart of the Madonie mountains in Sicily. Every year on March 19th, the feast day of Saint Joseph, the town transforms into a grand space of hospitality and sharing, where popular faith, tradition, and community cohesion intertwine.

The origins of the devotion

The feast has its roots in the vows that families made to the Saint to obtain protection and graces. From this devotion, the custom of preparing rich banquets to offer to the community was born. In the past, the feast of Saint Joseph was entirely dedicated to the poor and children, the Virginieddi, who were offered a meal in honor of the Saint, the father of the poor and protector of families and workers.

The ritual of the Virginieddi

The heart of the event is the lunch of the Virginieddi: families who have received a grace or wish to honor the Saint invite three or more local children to their table, representing the Holy Family and purity. The children are served according to a precise ritual order, where the host serves the guests with humility and devotion. At the head of the table stands the altar of Saint Joseph, meticulously cared for and adorned with laurel and local herbs, from which blessed bread is distributed.

The flavors of tradition

The community gathers to prepare and share typical Sicilian specialties: pignolata, cannoli (the cannuola), and the soft sfince di San Giuseppe, filled in various ways, all prepared with local ingredients according to recipes passed down from generation to generation. Red wine and the aromas of authentic cuisine accompany a day dedicated to conviviality.

A double celebration

In Montemaggiore Belsito, the devotion to Saint Joseph is renewed twice a year: on March 19th, the main day of the feast, and on May 1st. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Tourist Association of Montemaggiore Belsito with the invaluable contribution of volunteers, guardians of an intangible heritage that keeps the town's cultural roots and sense of belonging alive.