In France, the festive season traditionally comes to an end with Epiphany on January 6th. Although it has not been a public holiday since 1971, the day is still widely celebrated across the country.
Traditional French customs for Epiphany
Historically, Epiphany was a Christian feast celebrating the arrival of the Three Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus. Although less religious today, many French households have kept up the charming custom of keeping the figurines of the Wise Men away from the nativity scene during Christmas, only placing them next to the crib on January 6th to symbolise their arrival.
Even for families who aren’t particularly religious, one delicious tradition is harder to resist: the Galette des Rois.
Galette des Rois - the 'Cake of the Kings'
No celebration of Epiphany in France would be complete without the Galette des Rois, literally meaning 'Cake of the Kings.' From early January, bakeries and supermarkets across the country fill their shelves with these pastries. The traditional galette is made from flaky puff pastry filled with frangipane, a rich almond cream. Hidden inside the cake is a small ceramic charm called a fève. Whoever finds the fève in their slice becomes king or queen for the day and wears the paper crown that comes with the cake.
In many families, the crowned person is expected to buy the next galette. Nowadays the charm or ‘féve’ can represent anything, so don’t be surprised to see versions of your favourite Disney characters! Many have even become collectibles.
Réveillon - welcoming the New Year in style
Another essential tradition at the start of the year is le Réveillon, the festive dinner held on New Year’s Eve (Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre), and sometimes also on Christmas Eve. The Réveillon is typically a long fancy meal shared with family or friends. You can expect to see luxury foods such as oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon, seafood platters, fine cheeses and elaborate desserts.
Champagne is a central part of the celebration, especially as midnight approaches. At the stroke of twelve, people exchange kisses, well-wishes, and cheerfully say “Bonne année !”
While Réveillon represents the glamorous high point of French New Year celebrations, Epiphany symbolically marks the end of the festive season in France and the beginning of the new year.
A French New Year tradition: showing gratitude to firefighters and key workers
In France it's also traditional at the start of the year to show gratitude to key workers such as firefighters, posties, cleaners, or concierges by giving them an envelope with some money. This can range from €5 right up to €50 for anyone feeling generous. Sadly, this tradition is on the decline, but you will still often see firefighters and posties going door to door for donations, often selling their own calendars.
If you’re celebrating Epiphany tonight enjoy your Galette des Rois, and don’t hesitate to wish your French neighbours a Bonne Année!