Frangipane or king's cake?

Epiphany in Provence

In Provence, we have many traditions that we love to celebrate! Santons, Christmas parties, Sainte-Barbe… For us, the month of December is full of lovely family traditions, which allow us to come together and perpetuate our customs!

But where does this tradition come from?

Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to celebrate Epiphany with the whole family! As elsewhere in France, on the second Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate Epiphany in Provence, part of the cycle of calendar festivals.

Epiphany, which comes from the Greek word for “appearance”, symbolizes, in Christianity, the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the Infant Jesus.

The Three Wise Men made a long journey to visit the newborn, who, according to Provencal tradition, was born in Provence! And so, on January 6, the 3 Magi took their place in the cribs that had been set up in Provencal cottages since the beginning of December, and which would remain until Chandeleur, on February 2.

Guided by the shepherd’s star, the three Wise Men came to the infant Jesus on this day to place their offerings.

This tradition reached France at the end of the 14th century, via the papacy in Avignon, where the first drawing of the Three Kings took place at the Dominican convent.

During these ceremonies, a round cake filled with figs, dates and honey was made and divided equally between masters and slaves. Inside the cake was a bean, and whoever fell on it was named king for the day.

A Provencal tradition: the king’s cake

In Provence, Epiphany is celebrated with the gâteau des rois. Shaped like a crown and topped with candied local fruit, this orange blossom-scented cake is a favorite in Provence! Inside the brioche is a bean, a real bean, an edible bean, and a little figurine called a santon, much to the delight of collectors.

Tradition dictates that the youngest member of the party should get under the table and divide up the portions, so that the santon and the fève are distributed at random!

Galettes des rois from the “Nord” or brioche cake with candied fruit from Provence – whatever your preference, it’s time to indulge! Here’s a list of the best addresses in Marseille that offer both versions, to delight the whole family!