In Italy the 19th March is a celebration for Saint Giuseppe (Joseph, husband of Mary) and different regions celebrate in their own way, but few in such a spectacular fashion as Minervino di Lecce in Salento, Puglia.
The little town had a magnificent open table in the Piazza Umberto 1 laden with traditional dishes created by the villagers in their own homes as an expression of solidarity and love.
The festivities began on the eve of the saint’s day, March 18 and continued into the evening of the 19th. The Tavola di San Giuseppe seated local dignitaries, but also, as per tradition, honoured three local Minervinesi citizens who had made an exceptional contribution in their particular field of expertise. This year they were Simone Maggio, Artistic Director of Radio Rama, Mario Mauro, Director of the Villaggio Robinson Club in Ugento and Salvatore Carecci, famous for spreading the fame of Italian cuisine in the Orient.
