Ornate culinary spreads at St. Joseph altars

St. Patrick is front and center in Baton Rouge this weekend, but St. Joseph will also get his due at dozens of altars throughout South Louisiana created for the Feast of St. Joseph. Most take place this weekend.

The elaborate, tiered displays feature fresh-baked breads, homemade anise, fig and wedding cookies, cakes decorated with prayer requests, fava beans, fruit, candles, photos of deceased loved ones and more.

Parishioners work for weeks in advance to prepare the food and baked goods associated with the altar and its accompanying feast.

The Old World tradition traveled to Louisiana and other parts of the U.S. by way of Sicilian immigrants. Thanks to its substantial Sicilian population, New Orleans remains a huge site for these events.

Local celebrations include the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center on George O’Neal Lane on Sunday, and Sacred Heart Church in Mid City on Saturday and Sunday. St. Joseph Cathedral downtown will hold its altar celebration on March 19 at noon, the official Feast of St. Joseph.

For further information visit Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center, Sacred Heart Church, or St. Joseph Cathedral. —Maggie Heyn Richardson