For many, Epiphany is the day of the galette des rois! But do you know exactly why, and what history lies behind this January 6 date?
As you may have guessed, the origin of Epiphany is religious.Epiphany, which comes from the Greek " epiphaneia " (" appearance " or " advent ") celebrates the arrival of the famous Three Wise Men (Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspard) to the Infant Jesus. Introduced in the West by the Church around the 4th century, this Christian festival was intended to honor the spiritual values of the Three Wise Men, who are said to have offered gifts to Jesus at his birth.
So why do we eat galette des rois on January 6, the day of the Epiphany? This tradition has no religious origins, but turns out to be totally pagan. During the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, roles were reversed between masters and slaves. And to designate the " Prince of Saturnalia ", the Romans used a cake into which a bean was inserted. Over time, this tradition evolved to coincide with the feast of Epiphany.
The galette des rois varies from region to region. In the south of France, for example, we tend to eat a crown garnished with candied fruit.
So enjoy!
Paris' best galettes des rois for this Epiphany 2024, tested and validated
A delicious galette des Rois? Here's our selection of the finest and most gourmet galettes des Rois 2024 to be discovered in Paris. There's no shortage of galettes and crowns to choose from, in pastry shops, palaces and other famous houses. Original, traditional or creative, it's up to you to choose your weapons to celebrate this Epiphany 2024. [Read more]
Wondering where to find the best almond cake in Greater Paris in 2025? On December 6, the Syndicat des boulangers du Grand Paris (Greater Paris bakers' association) announced its prize list. Drum roll: the best almond galette in the Paris region can be found in the 14th arrondissement! [Read more]
Paris' best galettes des rois for this Epiphany 2024, tested and validated
Île-de-France: the best 2025 almond galette des rois is in Paris
