New Orleans a major port of entry for Sicilian immigrants during the late 19th century like the French Canadians, Africans, Irish, and Germans they brought a unique set of (Italian) traditions and values with them. It is this collective history and heritage in New Orleans that makes up such a rich and diverse culture of people. The Feast of Saint Joseph a cultural tradition that has deep roots within the hearts of people in South Louisiana.

The annual Saint Joseph Altar at Anne Dale’s jewelry store continues the New Orleans tradition while honoring our family’s Catholic Italian ancestry of Ferrara, Catanese, Maestri and Labadini names.

The altar open to any visitor who wishes to pay homage, no need to be Italian, Catholic or a native of New Orleans. Join us and try some great Italian cookies, pasta, get a blessed New Orleans “lucky bean” and enjoy the culture.

In the traditionally of the Saint Joseph Altar in which the food is distributed to charity, a donation box for non-perishable food items as well as a place for monetary gifts, all of which will go to the Covington Food Bank is on site. The Covington Food Banks collects and give assistance with food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials to those that meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines in the tri-parish communities of St.Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes. 

Saint Joseph’s Day is also celebrated in other American communities that have larger populations of Italians such as New York, Chicago and Rhode Island but it is best known here in the Big Easy.