After Christmas and until a few days after January 6th French people celebrate “Gallette des Rois” which is loosely translated as “Kings Cake”. Gallette is originally a celebration of Kings Day which marks the 12th day of Christmas. The cake is a delicious flaky pastry with a little marzipan filling and a small figurine hidden inside. Whoever finds the figurine gets to be king or queen for the day. The honor does in fact come with a crown. I’m sure these little figurines would be banned in the United States on account of lawsuits due to choking.
Usually people celebrate Gallette with nearly everyone they know. Gallett is eaten at least once with the family, once at work, and with friends as well. It is such a fun tradition. Everyone eats their cake slowly and chats. At work I got one of the three possibilities to win a crown! I was so excited! Another woman and a man won crowns too. Since I am the youngest my colleagues demoted me to princess. I considered making jokes about prince charming or a Richard the III esque grab for power, but alas my French isn’t good enough and the moment passed before I could put something together.
The adorable little boy in the picture is Axel, son of Carole and Frank. (my French family)
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