Zeppole are traditionally consumed on La Festa di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph's Day), March 19. The day is a day of generosity and kindness. Some say that the tradition of St. Joseph’s Day began in Sicily, during the Middle Ages when there was a severe drought. The people prayed for St. Joseph, their patron saint, to intervene. They promised him that if he answered their prayers and brought rain, they would prepare a big feast in his honor. Their prayers were answered and the rains came. True to their word, the people of Sicily prepared a huge banquet for the poor of the town.