Today, March 19, 2025, Italians celebrate Father's Day, coinciding with the feast of Saint Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus. This day, which carries significant cultural and religious weight, honors fatherhood and the paternal figure in society.
The tradition of honoring fathers dates back centuries, but it wasn't until the late 15th century that the day became officially recognized. Pope Sixtus IV incorporated the feast of Saint Joseph into the Roman calendar in 1479, declaring him the protector of families and patron of the Universal Church. This foundation solidified the connection between Saint Joseph and fatherhood in Catholic tradition.
Until 1977, March 19 was a public holiday in Italy, allowing communities to gather and celebrate. However, with the introduction of Law No. 54 on March 5, 1977, this day transitioned to a regular working day. Despite this change, the significance of Father’s Day remains ingrained in Italian culture.
While March 19 is the day for Father’s Day in Italy, it differs globally. In many Anglo-Saxon countries, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This choice is attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd, who in 1910 started the movement in Spokane, Washington, honoring her father, a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised six children. The holiday gained traction and was officially recognized in the United States by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.
In contrast, various regions worldwide have their unique dates for celebrating fathers. For instance, in Germany, Father's Day aligns with Ascension Day; in South Korea, it has transformed into 'Parents' Day' on May 8, although this day is not a public holiday.
A common culinary tradition for Father’s Day in Italy is the preparation of zeppole di San Giuseppe, delightful pastries filled with custard and topped with black cherries or jam. In Naples, these treats are particularly popular and symbolize the feast’s celebratory nature. Each region in Italy has its specialty: in Rome, bignè di San Giuseppe (cream-filled choux pastries) take center stage, while in Tuscany and Umbria, frittelle di riso (rice fritters) are enjoyed. In Palermo, sfince di San Giuseppe, topped with ricotta cream and chocolate chips, further showcase the diverse culinary customs associated with this day.
The celebration extends beyond food, fostering family gatherings. Children often bring handmade gifts and letters from school, reinforcing familial bonds. Many fathers relish the little tokens of love, making the day heartfelt and special.
As Father’s Day unfolds in Italy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her warm wishes on social media. She highlighted the invaluable role of fathers, acknowledging those who tirelessly support their families: “A special wish to all those fathers who spend sleepless nights cradling their newborns. To those who dress their children with care every morning and take them to school. To those who do their utmost to support their children and family.”
In terms of societal changes, statistics reveal a positive trend regarding paternity leave uptake. A study from INPS and Save the Children indicates that the usage of paternity leave has more than tripled from 19.2% in 2013 to 64.5% in 2022. However, around 35% of eligible fathers still do not take advantage of this benefit, which has important implications for family dynamics and gender equality.
The zeppole, a staple of Italy's Father’s Day celebration, continues to see increased popularity, with orders and purchases rising over 15% compared to 2024. They are a culinary symbol, bringing sweetness and joy to the festivities.
In regions where winter is fading, the day also coincides with agrarian purification rites, marking the transition from winter to spring. These rituals often involve community bonfires, which symbolize hope and renewal.
Father’s Day in Italy carries both rich tradition and evolving social dynamics, showcasing how cultures adapt and celebrate essential familial roles, even as the calendar may reflect varied practices across the globe.
