Apparently, prior to World War II, San Giuseppe's "Patrocinio" [Saint Joseph's marriage to the Blessed Virgin] was celebrated on the second Sunday in May. While the major feast day for San Giuseppe took place on March 19th, many of his devotees also celebrated his marriage to the Blessed Virgin. His devotees always served "spezzatini" which at that time was a made with eggs and lamb giblets or with pieces of veal. Nowadays the recipe that goes under the name of "spezzatini" may no longer describe this particular dish in some areas of the South. On the second Sunday in May Saint Joseph devotees, besides serving "spezzatino" also served a pasta dish (penne in red sauce) and a dessert (panetonne). It seems that Saint Joseph's "Patrocinio" is no longer celebrated in Italy (At least I did not find any reference to it on the world-wide web!). However, March 19th still is celebrated. Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers, is also honored on May 1st in Western Europe.

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