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St. Joseph's day

Cherice Harrison Nelson (R) with her aunt, who is a bishop at a Spiritual Church in New Orleans. The spiritual church has also adapted the St. Joseph’s tradition, and builds elaborate altars.

Why African American churches in New Orleans celebrate a Sicilian holiday

Belief

In New Orleans, people have been constructing elaborate altars in honor of St. Joseph since the Sicilians brought the tradition to the city in the 19th century. But it’s not just the Sicilians in New Orleans who celebrate now.