February 2, 2024 by Patricia Sands (Edit)
Now that we’ve finished celebrating January in France by eating les galettes des rois, the kings’ cake, it’s time to sweep away those crumbs and haul out the crêpes pan!
February 2nd, is La Chandeleur, Fête des Lumières, Jour des Crêpes. You might know it as Candlemas.
Churches will celebrate the tradition of the lighting of candles.
Then it will be all about … what else, this IS France … food!
Crêpes and cidre. Unlike our apple cider, this drink has a touch of alcohol.
The day is often accompanied by fortune telling and in many kitchens, crêpes are flipped in the air with the pan in one hand and a coin in the other. If the crêpe lands back in the pan, the year will be a prosperous one. Children hold their breath in anticipation!
Similar to our North American Groundhog Day, there’s a prediction about winter at this time of year. “Rosée à la Chandeleur, hiver à sa dernière heure.” If there is dew at dawn, winter will soon be over.
As the French do so well, the day is a fun-filled, family time. If you’re tempted to celebrate your own Jour des Crêpes, they are delicious and light and easy to make. Click right here for a recipe.
There are crêpe stands or crêperies everywhere in France and lineups will be long today. As well, family kitchens everywhere will be filled with mouth-watering aromas. Today and through the weekend, there will be few people not enjoying this simple and delicious food with a filling of choice ~ sweet or savoury. Crêpes have a history that goes back to Biblical times and, in France, Britanny is said to have established the true crêpe recipe.
Get in line right here! Bon appétit!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gypy4R2hj00%3Ffeature%3Doembed
Have you ever made crêpes? Which do you prefer, the French crêpe or it’s slightly heavier English cousin, the pancake? Are you a fan of sweet or savoury?
Here’s what The Good Life France has to say about French traditions on February 2nd.
Thank you, thank you! Mille mercis, to readers everywhere! I’m still basking in the great reception Deck The Halls at the Villa des Violettes is receiving! I’m so glad you are enjoying being back in the company of Kat, Philippe and their family and friends. I love writing these stories so you never know … there may be another one in the future.
If you don’t have your copy yet, here’s the link: https://amzn.to/49UA5Su
Enjoy! Bonne lecture!
Let’s get through this dreary winter (here in southern Ontario, for sure!) and feel all sorts of love in February! The official word here is that the Groundhog did not see his shadow today and spring is right around the corner. I would love to get a few more days of skiing in but spring skiing would be just fine.
To celebrate Groundhog Day, I’m giving away a copy of Lost At Sea to one winner. Take a vacation in the Mediterranean! Find out more on my FB page.
Wishing you a bon weekend wherever you are!
See you soon!
