19 March was dedicated to Saint Joseph in several Western calendars by the 10th century, and this custom was established in Rome by 1479.

Pope Pius V extended its use to the entire Roman Rite by his Apostolic Constitution Quo primum (14 July 1570).

[2] Between 1870 and 1955, an additional feast was celebrated in honor of Saint Joseph as Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patron of the Universal Church, the latter title having been given to him by Pope Pius IX.

Originally celebrated on the third Sunday after Easter with an octave, after Divino Afflatu[3] of Saint Pius X (see Reform of the Roman Breviary by Pope Pius X), it was moved to the preceding Wednesday (because Wednesday was the day of the week specifically dedicated to St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist and local patrons).

[5][6] Popular customs among Christians of various liturgical traditions observing Saint Joseph's Day are attending Mass or the Divine Service, wearing red-coloured clothing, carrying dried fava beans that have been blessed, and assembling home altars dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph's day, however, is a solemnity and per the 1983 Code of Canon Law overrides Friday obligations in the Catholic Church.

This change was announced by the Congregation for Divine Worship in Notitiae in order to avoid occurrences of the feasts of Saint Joseph and the Annunciation both being moved to just after the Easter octave.

[14] Bonfires are traditionally lit for Saint Joseph's Day in several other places in Italy outside Romagna, such as in Bobbio, Emilia-Romagna,[15] in Matera, Basilicata;[16] in the Val Trebbia,[17] and in Serracapriola, Apulia.

[12][19] In Calabria, lagane e ceci,[20][21] a pasta dish containing chickpeas,[22][23] is shared among families and neighbours on Saint Joseph's Day.

[26] Lagane e ceci was served as the first dish,[22] followed by pan-fried cod and zeppole,[25] the dessert typically associated with Saint Joseph in Calabria.

[25][26] U cumbitu notably suspended class structures in Calabria, which was particularly afflicted by poverty and hunger,[25] and was a symbol of social solidarity and fraternity.

[30] One prominent custom is the Saint Joseph's Day altar, which are elaborately decorated with figurines, medals, and votive candles.

[31] On the altar, people place flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, and cookies (as well as other meatless dishes), and zeppole.

[33] On the Sicilian island of Lipari, a variant of the legend says that sailors returning from the mainland encountered a fierce storm that threatened to sink their boat.

[citation needed] In Malta, the set date for the celebration of Saint Joseph is 19 March, but can be moved if necessary to fit into the Lent and Easter season.

However, the city of Rabat celebrates the traditional Maltese feast where in the evening a procession is also held with the statue of Saint Joseph.

In the past years the Żejtun Parish Church has celebrated these feast days with a procession with the statue of Saint Joseph.

A few things to do on this day to celebrate are attending a special church service, visiting different cathedrals, joining Valencia's Falla Festival, and exploring the city, museums and art galleries.

An old man, a young lady, and a small boy, often chosen from among the poor, are honoured as representations of Saint Joseph, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Child Jesus, respectively.

The three, sometimes dressed like the santo (traditional saint image) they each represent, are seated around a table set with the family's best silverware and china, and served a variety of courses.

The now-fed "Holy Family" are lastly given donations (monetary or in kind), which they split amongst themselves, as a thank-you gift after the ceremony.

[40] In New Orleans, Louisiana, which was a major port of entry for Sicilian immigrants during the late 19th century, the Feast of Saint Joseph is a citywide event.