Today is January 6 and many will taste… A galette des rois! It’s the epiphany, but this religious festival does not have the same importance.
This January 6 is Epiphany and many will undoubtedly enjoy a galette des rois. But this religious festival is not celebrated everywhere with the same importance.
In our country, for example, the tradition is to eat a galette des rois with a bean hidden in the cake. But this Christian holiday actually commemorates the visit of the 3 wise men to the child Jesus. In some countries, this day is therefore a public holiday, just like Christmas. This is the case in Italy, for example.
On January 6, everyone has the day off! And the children receive gifts. Gifts offered by Befana. It’s an old Italian custom. La Befana is an old lady, represented as a witch on her broom. Legend has it that Befana was invited by the wise men to join their journey to see the baby Jesus. But she would have refused.
Later, Befana regretted her decision and went in search of the child Jesus, to bring him gifts. Having failed to find it, she finally decided to leave presents for all the children. The day before, January 5, the children hang stockings near the fireplace or their bed, in the hope of receiving candy and small gifts from Befana. Those who behaved badly can find coal instead.
A day of celebration in Italy
It is therefore a public holiday in Italy and many towns hold processions and religious masses to mark the occasion. One of the most famous events is the historic parade in Rome where participants dressed as Magi and other biblical characters walk from the Vatican to Piazza Navona.
The Pope celebrates Epiphany Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Epiphany cake of the three wise men
