FAQs
In France, the slightly more restrained Galette des Rois is enjoyed on January 6th in celebration of the Epiphany, said to mark the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. Families come together on or around this date to share their galette, into which is baked a small ceramic baby charm (the “fève”).
What is the meaning of the Galette des Rois at the Epiphany? ›
The galette des rois is a cake traditionally shared at Epiphany, on 6 January. It celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
What is the story behind Galette des Rois? ›
Later on, during the Middle Ages, a French group of Benedictines filled puff pastry with almond frangipane to celebrate the Three Kings' visit to the Savior. Thus, the Galette des Rois was born. As time went on, the cake became a key fixture at the 17th century French court during the time of Epiphany .
What is a fun fact about Galette des Rois? ›
Fun Facts about the Galette des Rois
Quite right and proper. The word 'King' was forbidden and anyway who would want it? those were the days when kings and queens had their heads chopped off. The French President has a galette des rois but isn't allowed to “draw the king” on Epiphany.
For what celebration is the Galette des Rois eaten? ›
Traditionally, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas. Beginning around the 13th or 14th century, sharing a Galette des Rois became a popular way to celebrate this occasion, with the cake signifying the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
Why do the French celebrate Epiphany? ›
What Happens on the 6th of January during Epiphany in France? The 6th of January is 'l'Epiphanie' or 'la journée des rois' and commemorates the visit of the three Wise Men to baby Jesus. It's traditional in France to eat 'la Galette des Rois'.
Why does the Epiphany have a king cake? ›
According to the Christian calendar, it is known as the day of Epiphany. On this day, the three kings traveled to Bethlehem, bearing gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. To honor this belief, people celebrate with an oval-shaped king cake, symbolizing the unity of faiths.
What is hidden in the Galette des Rois? ›
The “king” is represented by the fève, once a fava bean, now a porcelain or plastic figurine, hidden inside the cake. The person who discovers the fève in their serving is declared le roi (the king) or la reine (the queen) and gets to wear the golden paper couronne (crown) that comes with cake.
Why is the galette eaten on January 6th? ›
In France, the slightly more restrained Galette des Rois is enjoyed on January 6th in celebration of the Epiphany, said to mark the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. Families come together on or around this date to share their galette, into which is baked a small ceramic baby charm (the “fève”).
What is special about the galette made for the French president? ›
Hidden inside each galette is a surprise; a little porcelain charm/trinket/figurine. If you're not aware and chomp down gustily into the cake you could be in for an unplanned visit to the dentist!
The serving ritual
The galette is then cut up and served, and the person who finds the figurine in their slice, becomes honorary king or queen for the day. A big part of why galettes des rois are so popular is that everyone wishes to find la fève in their slice.
What do the French drink while eating the galette des rois? ›
The best wines to pair with galette des rois
The best food and wine pairings with a frangipane puff pastry are a sweet white wine or a sparkling wine. Indeed, Champagnes go well with this sweet and gourmet dessert.
What is the meaning of pain des rois? ›
We Choose a name that can represent both the activity of the brand and the luxuries looks that it stands for. After a lot of research, we came out with “Pain des Rois” A French name that is translated to “King's Bread” hence the high-quality. pastries we make.
What does galette des rois mean in English? ›
This also explains the name of the dessert that's eaten on this day, the galette des rois, which translates to “kings' cake”. It's similar to the king cake served in New Orleans in the U.S., a nod to the state's French influence; but in France it's not multi-colored, and it's only served on or around Epiphany.
What is the story of galette? ›
In France, the tradition of the Galette des Rois was introduced in the Middle Ages by the Benedictine monks, who celebrated the holiday of Epiphany in honor of the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. They prepared a special pastry called the “cake of kings” or “Galette des Rois” for the occasion.
Do you eat galette des rois hot or cold? ›
The Galette des Rois is essentially frangipane encased within puff pastry and decorated by making cuts in the surface of the pastry. It's served in slices and can be eaten both hot and cold.
What is the meaning of Le Roi des Rois? ›
Translation of "roi des rois" in English. Noun. king of kings. king of the kings. king of all kings.
What is the name of the trinket hidden inside the Galette des Rois? ›
Celebrating Kings Day with a flaky and delicious Galette des Rois has been a tradition dating back centuries, and hiding a cute little trinket called a "fève" inside is the most fun part!
What is the ritual when eating la Galette des Rois? ›
The serving ritual
The galette is then cut up and served, and the person who finds the figurine in their slice, becomes honorary king or queen for the day. A big part of why galettes des rois are so popular is that everyone wishes to find la fève in their slice.
What is the meaning of Galette? ›
Galette (from the Norman word gale, meaning "flat cake") is a term used in French cuisine to designate various types of flat round or freeform crusty cakes, or, in the case of a Breton galette (French: Galette bretonne [galɛt bʁətɔn]; Breton: Krampouezhenn gwinizh du), a pancake made with buckwheat flour usually with a ...
