The Italian American Museum will present, "The Traditions of St. Joseph" on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 PM, a talk and pastry-making demonstration that will examine the centuries-old celebrations that honor the patron saint of Italy.

IAM president Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa will offer a historical perspective of St. Joseph's Day, and the evening's presentation will culminate with the preparation and free sampling of sfingi, the traditional Sicilian pastry of St. Joseph's Day, which is observed every March 19th. Mulberry Street's famed Caffé Palermo will present this part of the program.

There is probably no religious figure more entwined with Italian culture than St. Joseph, the husband of Mary the Blessed Virgin and the step-father of Jesus Christ. He is the patron saint of 10 nations, including Italy, where March 19th is observed as Father's Day.

Another popular tradition, the St. Joseph's Day table, has its origins in Sicily, where elaborate displays of food were made available to the poor. It is believed this tradition, which was always meatless because it occurred during Lent, evolved from a devastating famine.

Generally, the dishes represent the local harvest. Breads are baked in shapes of a staff, a carpenter's implement, a hand, the cross and animals close to the Infant Child at birth. Minestre--thick soups--are made of lentils, favas and other types of beans, together with escarole, broccoli, or cauliflower. Other vegetables, celery, fennel stalks, boiled and stuffed artichokes are also served.

In the US, many Italian Americans continue to celebrate St. Joseph's Day.

Suggested admission to "The Traditions of St. Joseph" is $10 per person. Because space is limited, reservations are required by calling the Museum at 212-965-9000 or sending an email to [email protected]