Festival of the kings (Epiphany)

Galette des rois

        This holiday is celebrated every year on the 6th of January and commemorates the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, represented by the magi (the 3 kings). The evening preceding "Epiphany" is called "Twelfth Night". In France a special cake called "Galette des rois" is prepared for this occasion. The "Galette des rois" is a round puff pastry cake filled with an almond paste, and containing a "feve" (broad bean), which symbolizes the Christ child.

        When serving the cake the person or child that finds the "Feve" is crowned king for a day. In the "Patisseries" (bakeries) the "Galette des rois " is sold with a golden crown made of cardboard so, whoever find the "feve" will wear the crown.

        Even though it is a Christian holiday in France it is considered more of a national holiday rather than religious and is celebrated by people of all religions.