Epiphany Traditions: Galette des Rois and the Celebration of the Magi

The Epiphany, celebrated on January 6 or the nearest Sunday, blends religious and cultural customs, including the iconic French galette des rois.

The Epiphany marks the visit of the three Magi—Melchior, Gaspard, and Balthazar—to the newborn Jesus, symbolizing the recognition of his divinity.
In France, the celebration is closely tied to the galette des rois, a pastry traditionally filled with frangipane and containing a hidden fève that designates the finder as 'king' or 'queen' for the day.
The tradition of the fève dates back to Roman Saturnalia, where a bean symbolized equality and allowed even slaves to become 'king' for a day.
The galette des rois has evolved over centuries, with regional variations across France, including brioche-based versions in the south and choux pastry in the east.
Epiphany customs vary across Europe, from gift-giving in Spain to house blessings by children dressed as Magi in Germany.