In Sicily, where St. Joseph is regarded by many as their Patron Saint, and many Italian-American communities,
thanks are given to St. Joseph ("San Giuseppe" in Italian) for preventing a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages. According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if he answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast to honor him. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet for their patron saint. T. Giving food to the needy is a St. Joseph's Day custom.
Upon a typical St. Joseph's Day altar, people place flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, and cookies (as well as other meatless dishes), and zeppole. Foods are traditionally served containing bread crumbs to represent saw dust since St. Joseph was a carpenter. Because the feast occurs during Lent, traditionally no meat was allowed on the celebration table.
The altar usually has three tiers, to represent the trinity
Giuseppe I & Giuseppe L
In Italy March 19 is also Father's Day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph's_Day
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