Feast of St. Joseph

The Feast of St. Joseph, celebrated on **March 19**, is a significant religious and cultural event in Malta, honoring **St. Joseph**, the foster father of Jesus and the patron saint of workers, families, and the universal Church. This feast is particularly important in towns and villages where St. Joseph is the patron saint, such as **Rabat** and **Żurrieq**. The celebration typically includes **religious processions**, where a statue of St. Joseph is carried through the streets, accompanied by bands playing traditional hymns and marches. Churches dedicated to St. Joseph are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and banners, and special **Masses** and **prayer services** are held to honor the saint. In addition to the religious aspects, the feast is marked by **festive activities**, including fireworks, band marches, and community gatherings. Traditional Maltese food, such as **figolli** (almond-filled pastries) and **imqaret** (date-filled pastries), is often enjoyed during the celebrations. The Feast of St. Joseph is a time for Maltese communities to come together in faith and celebration, reflecting on the virtues of humility, hard work, and devotion that St. Joseph embodies. It is a cherished tradition that blends spirituality with cultural heritage.