France is well know for its significant gastronomy culture, here, the top gastronomic french days.
These special gastronomic french days are perfect to offer discounts or put the Made In France products on a specific decoration.
- Ephiphanie, the 6th January
The Epiphany has its origins in the Christian religion and belongs to the first calendar feasts, linked to events in the history of the life of Jesus.
Epiphany could be characterized by many two symbols:
- The Three Kings in the Christmas scene
It is usually the date when the three Kings have stopped their path to finally arrive in the Christmas scene.
2. La Galette des Rois (“A King Cake”)
The Galette des Rois comes from the Saturnalia, a Roman fest to celebrate the Sun and the god, Saturn. A meal was shared between the masters and the slaves. And a bean was slipped into a cake or a pancake. Whoever fell on it was thus designated king of the feast.
Yet, in France, Galette des Rois is made with almond powder, sugar, butter, egg and a puff pastry. It is above all a friendly and familial moment. That is probably why 96% of the French consumed it during Epiphany.
Many people cook their homemade Galette des Rois but you can also find its place on the menu of great restaurants.
Did you know?
The youngest child sits under the table and indicates the guests who thus receive their piece of cake. Whoever finds the bean is crowned and chooses his queen or king.
3. Chandeleur, on 2nd February
Chandeleur (“Candlemas”) and its crêpes takes place every 2nd February. It is like Epiphany and its crêpes, a month earlier, on January 6.
In the Middle Ages, the word Candlemas evokes the candles that were symbolically lit on that day to announce better day.
The consumption of pancakes would therefore be a tribute to the cycle of seasons and more precisely to the arrival of Spring which announces better days. At the time, if peasants did not make crêpes at Candlemas, the wheat would be bad the following year.
Did you know?
Tradition has it that we blow up the first crêpe with one hand (the right) with a coin in the other (the left), to ensure good fortune for the coming year.
In some French regions, such as the Southwest, the first crêpe was even sacrificed by throwing it at the top of the kitchen buffet or a cupboard. Leaving the crêpe there was a guarantee of happiness for the whole family.
4. Fête de la sardine (“Sardine fest”)
The Sardine fest is a local celebration from the beginning of the 20th century, which lasted until the 1940s. This event marks the beginning of the season for this migratory fish present on the Breton coasts from April to October. During this special day, fishermen are going to fish around 5 a.m. to hunt down the little blue fish.
5. Beaujolais Nouveau 3rd Thursday in November.
The Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated every third Thursday in November since 1985.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine made from bunches harvested during the year. It is therefore made in such a way that it can be consumed quickly and for a limited period of time. Generally speaking, it can be tasted within 12 to 24 months. The Beaujolais Nouveau is well appreciated in France but also, in Japan and in United States.
6. Mardi gras (Shrove Tuesday)
Mardi Gras (English : Shrove Tuesday) is a festive day celebrated in France (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday).
This day characterizes the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.
For Mardi Gras and the Carnival period, we usually eat crêpes but also waffles and donuts.
During this special day, it is also authorize to dress up.
