Even in Roman times, Father’s Day was celebrated during the month of February. Today, this holiday is celebrated all over the world, albeit on different dates, and lucky fathers often receive gifts on this day.

Father’s Day, as we know it today, began in the United States. The story goes that during a speech on Mother’s Day in 1909, a young girl, who had been brought up by her father after her mother’s death, first suggested celebrating Father’s Day. The young girl wanted to show her father how grateful she was to him. Her father’s birthday was in June, and so she decided to organize Father’s day on 19 June in her city. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson officially recognized Father’s Day, and the decision was made to celebrate it on the third Sunday in June.

In Italy and various other Catholic countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on 19 March, the day of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. According to popular tradition, St. Joseph is viewed as the patron saint of orphans, young unmarried women and poor people. That’s why, in several areas of Sicily, it is traditional to invite poor people to lunch on 19 March.

The traditional Italian sweet treat for this holiday is the zeppola (or zeppolella if they are mini ones), which originated in Rome. They are made with choux pastry and have a squashed shape, with a custard and amarena filling.
These mouth-watering delicacies can always be found in the windows of the best pastry shops, as well as in the homes of many Italians.

Follow our recipe and make scrumptious zeppole!

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