Spring's almost here, and the Mimosa tree's in flower. The 8th of March (International Women's Day) is a strange day in Italy: all of a sudden those typically spoilt Italian men suddenly decide to recognise the work women do all year round and so offer them a sprig of two of mimosa… and the rest of the year? Meanwhile, the women flood the streets and restaurants in the evening…
March is also the month of Father's Day in Italy and, of course, Lent…

Festa di San Giuseppe
Viterbo
19th March is St. Joseph's Feast Day. Being the father of Christ, this is also Father's Day here in Italy.
According to some, after fleeing to Egypt, the carpenter made a living by selling fritters, hence the traditional fritters that abound during the Carnival period. In fact, you can find rice-based fritters in various versions in this area.

Pranzo del Purgatorio
Gradoli
Ash Wednesday is the traditional date for the "Pranzo del Purgatorio" (Purgatory Lunch), when the Order of the Purgatorio prepares and serves a rich yet simple banquet to thousands of people.