Galettes des Rois have been available since December in bakeries and pastries. In fact, businesses are preparing these delicious pastries earlier and earlier to celebrate Epiphany.
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany has its roots in Christian tradition. This Catholic holiday celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar) who came to pay homage to the child Jesus shortly after his birth. Their journey symbolizes the universal recognition of the divinity of Christ. Epiphany literally means “manifestation” and marks the appearance of God to men.
Its evolution in popular tradition
Over the centuries, this religious festival has been accompanied by a popular tradition, tasting the kings cake. They say that we are going to “draw kings”. It’s about finding the bean or a figurine hidden in the pastry.
So, on Epiphany Day, we get together with family or friends to eat the galette des rois and the king cake. It’s therethe youngest child who goes under the table and who designates how to serve the portions. The person who discovers the bean becomes the king or queen of the day.
When is Epiphany in 2025?
In 2025, Epiphany will be celebrated on Sunday January 5. Officially fixed on January 6 in the liturgical calendar, this celebration is often moved to the first Sunday in January to facilitate its celebration by as many people as possible.
If Epiphany has an official date, the Galette des Rois can be enjoyed throughout the month of January and sometimes even at the end of December when you can already buy it in bakeries and pastry shops.
Traditions around the galette des rois in 2025
The galette des rois draws its roots from the Roman festivals of Saturnalia. These celebrations were organized to celebrate the winter solstice. During these festivals, a symbolic “king” was designated using a bean hidden in a cake. The latter was divided equally between masters and slaves.
This tradition has been taken up over the centuries and adapted by the Christian religion to mark Epiphany, while maintaining its festive and friendly aspect.
The bean: a timeless symbol
The charm of the pancake lies in the bean hidden in the middle of the pancake. Formerly, it was a real dry bean, but legumes were then replaced by a gold or silver coin among the wealthiest people.
Subsequently, porcelain beans appeared in 1875 in Saxony, and after the First World War in France. Then, over time, less expensive plastic beans were used in the cakes. Since the 1990s, we have also found beans made of glass paste, gold metal, and above all, ceramic.
Nowadays, the themes are varied. We find in particular storybook characters, animals, monumentsor even limited series linked to current events. These small objects are often made of ceramic and highly prized by collectors, called fabophiles.
The most popular types of pancakes
The galette des rois is available in several varieties to satisfy all palates:
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the frangipane pancake: the classic version, prepared with puff pastry and an almond filling;
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regional variations: in the south of France, they prefer the brioche des rois, decorated with candied fruit and sugar;
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revisited pancakes: for several years, we have found gluten-free, vegan pancakes or even with original flavors (chocolate, pistachio, pear).
Epiphany is a new opportunity to get together and enjoy a delicious galette des rois. So, prepare your crowns, choose your cake and enjoy this beautiful day with family or friends!
