The ‘Galette des Rois’: A Sweet French Tradition

As the sparkle of Christmas lights starts to fade, there’s one last moment of celebration before the holiday season officially ends. Three Kings Day, or the Feast of the Epiphany, is observed on January 6th, and marks the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Across the world, this day is filled with traditions, food, and fun, and nowhere is it more deliciously celebrated than in France with the Galette des Rois. It’s a day that blends religious significance with cultural fun, signaling the end of the holiday season.

What is Three Kings Day (Feast of the Epiphany)?

The Feast of the Epiphany, often referred to as the “Twelfth Night” or “Little Christmas”, is the final day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which begins on December 25th. In many cultures, January 6th is seen as the official conclusion of the Christmas holiday season. It is a time to reflect on the arrival of the Three Wise Men—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the baby Jesus.

While Epiphany has deep religious significance, in many countries, it is also a day filled with festive gatherings, food, and fun—especially in the form of the iconic Galette des Rois in France.

The Galette des Rois: A Sweet French Tradition

In France, the most iconic tradition associated with Three Kings Day is the Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). This delicious pastry is eaten on Epiphany, and it has a history that dates back centuries. The Galette des Rois is not just a treat—it’s a fun, interactive tradition that brings family and friends together to celebrate the day.

What is Galette des Rois?

The Galette des Rois is a round cake made with puff pastry and filled with frangipane, a sweet almond cream filling. The golden, flaky pastry is symbolic of a crown, representing the three kings who visited Jesus. Traditionally, the cake is served in the home with family and friends, but you can also find it in bakeries all over France during the weeks leading up to Epiphany.

What makes this cake particularly exciting is the fève—a small charm or figurine hidden inside the galette before baking. The fève can be a porcelain or ceramic figurine, and the person who finds it in their slice is crowned “King” or “Queen” for the day. This person also wears a paper crown that comes with the cake. It’s all in good fun, and many people take great pride in their new royal title for the day!

How the Tradition Works

• The youngest person at the table traditionally hides under the table and calls out the names of those who will receive each slice of the galette, ensuring the selection is random.
• Once each person has their slice, everyone digs in to see who will be crowned. The person who finds the fève in their slice becomes the “king” or “queen” and gets to wear the crown.
• In some regions of France, the fève is a small figurine of a king or queen, but in other areas, it can be a miniature baby Jesus, or even a small toy or symbolic item tied to the occasion.

The Galette des Rois is not just a culinary delight—it’s a communal experience. The joy of sharing the cake with loved ones and the excitement of discovering who will be crowned makes the day feel festive and special. Whether you find the fève or not, the tradition of the Galette des Rois brings everyone together for one last moment of holiday celebration.

A Sweet Tradition with Regional Variations

While the Galette des Rois is widely enjoyed across France, regional variations exist:

In the South of France, especially in Provence, the tradition is a little different. Here, Galette des Rois is often replaced by a brioche-style cake, known as a “couronne” (crown), which is shaped like a crown and decorated with candied fruits.

In the north and central France, the frangipane-filled puff pastry is more common, with a golden, flaky exterior and a smooth, almondy filling that’s simply irresistible.

The Last Day of the Twelve Days of Christmas

January 6th, while a day of revelry and royal treats, also marks the official end of the Christmas season for many. In many households, it’s the day when Christmas decorations are taken down, and the Christmas tree comes down. This is especially true in France, where the “Fête des Rois” (Festival of Kings) and the tradition of the galette provide a final, joyful farewell to the holiday season before life returns to normal.

In some places, people might hold one last family gathering, exchange a few small gifts, or visit each other to celebrate. This “last hurrah” marks the close of what has been a long period of festive indulgence.

Other Traditions for January 6th

While the Galette des Rois is the most iconic tradition in France, Three Kings Day is also celebrated in other ways around the world. Here are a few customs associated with January 6th:

• Spain and Latin America: Roscón de Reyes
  In Spain and many Latin American countries, January 6th is celebrated with the Roscón de Reyes (King’s Ring Cake), a round, sweet pastry decorated with candied fruits to represent the jewels in the kings’ crowns. Inside the roscón is often hidden a small figurine or a bean. The person who finds the figurine is crowned “king” for the day, and the one who finds the bean may have to buy the roscón the following year.
• Italy: La Befana
  In Italy, the Befana (an old witch-like figure) is said to visit children on the night of January 5th, leaving gifts and sweets in stockings for well-behaved children and coal for those who have misbehaved. This tradition is similar to Santa Claus and is celebrated with small family gatherings and local festivals.
• Taking Down Christmas Decorations
  In many homes, January 6th marks the day when Christmas decorations are packed away. In some countries, this act is known as “La Chandeleur”, and it’s believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. The end of the Twelve Days of Christmas signals the conclusion of the holiday season, and it’s a time to return to regular life and routines.

As the Twelve Days of Christmas come to an end, the taking down of decorations and the packing away of the Christmas tree signifies the close of this joyful season. But for now, we can raise a glass of champagne, slice up a piece of Galette des Rois, and enjoy one last indulgence as we say goodbye to Christmas and welcome the new year with cheer.

Bonne fête des Rois! 👑🍰🎉