St Joseph’s Feast is finally here, and whether you're local or visiting, there are a few great ways to enjoy the day! Although the religious feast does require some acts of reverence and respect, there’s a few sweet treats to mask the seriousness of the day, too, so you can enjoy it whichever way you're inclined.

The feast proper

An international feast that also serves purpose in Poland, Canada, Portugal, Italy and Spain, Roman Catholics as well as some other Christian denominations, St Joseph's feast is an ode to the holy carpenter. Finding root in the 10th century AD, feast day traditions are still kept intact to date, with a Lenten theme taken to the table which means rich foods, meat and other delectable items are usually avoided in traditional celebration.

Let's celebrate!

Locally, celebrations take place in Mdina and Rabat, filling the streets of the old city and its rural neighbour with swarms of people who attend mass at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina as well as the many churches scattered throughout the islands. During the service, the appointed priest reads an excerpt from The Bible that relates Joseph the Carpenter’s accepting of Jesus Christ as his own child. Given the circumstances, a river of doubt must have been rushing through his mind, but the words from above assured him the child was a gift, and that he and his family should flee to Nazareth to birth the child!

And finally, the food!

Celebrating this feast entails the whole Maltese thrill - musical bands parading through the Rabat streets, fireworks in the pjazza, stalls upon stalls serving up special forms of treats to keep the villagers and visitors happy and of course… zeppoli. A gorgeous fried choux pastry filled with sweetened ricotta in a variety of toppings. These tasty treats are available a few days before and after the big day, but their magic is greatest while listening to the bands as you scurry through the winding streets of Rabat. Not sure where to get them from? We've got you covered.