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ndeleur
Fête des crêpes
Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, is one of the most anticipated winter holidays in France. Also known as the Festival of Lights, this day is centered around a delicious culinary tradition: the crêpe. But beyond its simplicity, Candlemas is a moment rich in rituals and history that go back centuries.
Candlemas has its roots in the Christian religion, specifically the feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, celebrated 40 days after Christmas. According to Christian tradition, Mary and Joseph took their child to the temple, where the elderly Simeon recognized him as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." This is where the name "Candlemas" comes from, derived from the word "chandelle" (candle), symbolizing light.
The holiday is also connected to a pagan custom marking the return of light after the long winter months. In this sense, Candlemas symbolized the hope of the arrival of spring.
Although Candlemas is now most associated with eating crêpes, this culinary tradition is surrounded by superstitions. The crêpes, round and golden, symbolize the sun and light, a way of celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.
In France, it's customary to flip the crêpes while holding a coin in the other hand, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. It was believed that if the crêpe landed perfectly back in the pan, it would bring prosperity for the year ahead. It's also traditional to make crêpes with leftover flour, symbolizing abundance and warding off scarcity in the winter months.
Candlemas is primarily a time for social gatherings. Crêpes, whether sweet or savory, are shared with family and friends. Sugar, Nutella, jam, butter, and savory fillings like ham, cheese, or eggs – anything goes when it comes to topping the crêpes to your liking. Everyone has their own way of preparing and enjoying this delicious treat.
Crêpe pans, or crêpières, are often brought out for the occasion, and many households take advantage of Candlemas to prepare these delightful dishes. In Brittany, the region most associated with crêpes, Candlemas is a chance to enjoy galettes made with buckwheat flour, while other regions prefer sweet crêpes made from wheat flour.
While Candlemas is still celebrated with family meals or fun-filled snacks, it has evolved with modern times. Crêpe festivals, crêpe-making competitions, and culinary events are organized each year, giving people the opportunity to discover crêpes from various regions and learn the secrets of expert crêpiers.
Today, Candlemas has also become a time to gather around casual meals and create a warm atmosphere of sharing. More and more people enjoy experimenting with original crêpe recipes, including exotic toppings, gluten-free crêpes, or vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this tradition.
Candlemas is much more than just an excuse to eat crêpes. It is a celebration of light, a time for togetherness and sharing, with a symbolic reminder of the coming spring. Every year, it brings the French together around this culinary specialty while keeping alive a tradition that spans generations. So, the next time you make a crêpe, remember that it’s not just about flour and sugar, but a true tradition filled with light and warmth.
Cela vous donne un bon aperçu du vocabulaire autour des crêpes en français et en anglais !
And now it's time to cook up some delicious crepes!
See you at the café Le Rendez-Vous 113 Alexandra Street on 2 February 2025 to taste the crepes and celebrate La Chandeleur with us!
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