UNICO celebrates Carnevale and St. Joseph’s Day

Members of the UNICO Rehoboth Area Chapter gathered on Feb. 16 at St. Edmond Parish Hall to enjoy a traditional Carnevale meal of jambalaya, corn bread and beignets catered by Sunny Bay Café of Rehoboth Beach, and a presentation on “Two Years in Italy” by local author and artist Rosemary Connelly.

Hematologist Dr. Steven Stanzione presents an update on the research to combat Cooley’s Anemia during the St. Joseph’s Day celebration.

Proceeds from the event will be used to prepare Easter baskets for the homeless children who are assisted by the various organizations in the Lewes-Rehoboth Area.

On March 19, UNICO members and guests celebrated St. Joseph’s Day at the Parish Hall with the distribution of Blessed Bread (il Pane di San Giuseppe) an Italian Dinner, and a tribute to Brian Piccolo with the introduction of a $1,500 scholarship program, offered to relatives of Delaware District members.

From left: Sal Ingallina, UNICO Delaware District Governor; Rosemary Connelly, guest speaker; and Pam Notarangelo, executive vice president of the Rehoboth Area Chapter.

The traditional observance is rooted in traditions that date back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that a terrible drought was ruining the harvests and causing famine until the faithful prayed for help through the intercession of St. Joseph. The rains came, the drought receded, and the wealthier villagers created a great feast, enjoying the bounty of the crops and providing for the poor.

Homage to St. Joseph continues to this day in Italy and in many immigrant communities throughout the world, by sharing food, especially with the poor, and celebrating the feast day with a special Tavola di San Giuseppe, or St. Joseph’s Table, filled with traditional specialties.

Each year, on Saint Joseph’s Day, members of UNICO unite to distribute bread, blessed in church that day, and to share a meal, including traditional dishes and desserts – especially cream-filled zeppole – and an opportunity to assist the poor and others in need. Proceeds of the event will be donated to the UNICO National Cooley’s Anemia Fund.

To learn more about UNICO and its events, contact unicodelawaredistrict1@gmail.com