Ribera – March 19
Feast of St. Joseph
Opening the festivities in honor of St. Joseph, on the Sunday before March 19, is the characteristic “Entrance of the Laurel,” which sees through the streets of Ribera, a parade on horseback of the faithful carrying laurel branches with colorful ribbons.
Following them, to the accompaniment of the band, is the “straula,” an ancient Sicilian ox-drawn cart topped with a tall tower covered with laurel and blessed bread, which will then be distributed to participants.
On March 19, the Holy Family, followed by the Apostles, goes from house to house to visit the altars of St. Joseph, specially set up for the occasion by the families of devotees: tables laid with every good thing and vegetarian-proof, since meat is banned. The typical dish is fava bean and fennel soup, which is offered to all visitors.
