Galette des Rois Exclusive Party

As we step into the New Year, we are excited to invite you to an exclusive Galette des Rois party organised by the Business Club for Francophones in Estonia. This year's celebration promises to be even more special as we have chosen a new and vibrant venue – Kota Klubi. The event will go beyond the delightful flavours of the pastry to embrace a charming tradition.

We are privileged to announce that our talented member François Arnould (www.francois.ee) will craft the Galette des Rois for this special celebration.

Event Details:

Date: Friday 12 January.
Time: 18.30 (doors open at 18.00.
Venue: Kota Klubi, Kopli 70a, 10412 Tallinn. (4th Floor). Free parking.

The event is free for CAdFE members, but registration is mandatory.
Access ticket is 15 euros for non-members.

The ticket gives you access to a welcoming glass with bubbles, some savory snacks, and Galette des Rois of course!

If you wish to become a member of CAdFE to join our party for free, send us an email at [email protected].

The story of Galette des Rois:

A Storied Past:

The Galette des Rois, or "King Cake," traces its origins to ancient Roman times when the festival of Saturnalia was celebrated with feasting and revelry. Over the centuries, the tradition evolved, intertwining with various cultural and religious practices.

The Feast of Epiphany:

The modern incarnation of the Galette des Rois is closely associated with the Christian celebration of Epiphany, commemorating the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, marking the end of the Christmas season.

The Galette Recipe:

The galette itself, a delectable flaky pastry filled with almond cream or frangipane, symbolizes the unity and sharing of the community. Its round shape represents the sun, harking back to pagan celebrations of the winter solstice.

The Hidden Charm – "Fève":

The addition of the hidden charm, or "fève," is a relatively recent addition to the Galette des Rois tradition. Originally, a whole dried bean was used, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Today, the fève is often a small figurine, and the person who discovers it in their slice is crowned king or queen.

Choosing Royalty:

The person who finds the fève enjoys the honour of being the temporary monarch and has the delightful responsibility of choosing their king or queen. This adds a playful and inclusive element to the celebration as the crowned individual shares the joy with others.

A solid French tradition:

The tradition of the Galette des Rois is a significant moment at the beginning of the year for the President of the French Republic and has a unique aspect. Since Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1975, the Élysée celebrates Epiphany with a galette that does not contain a fève. Indeed, according to the republican rules of the French Revolution, at the Élysée, there may be a President... but no king! Therefore, even if the crowning of the person who finds the fève is purely symbolic, it cannot be accepted within the official residence of the Republic.
Every year, a different baker-pastry chef is called upon because Epiphany at the Élysée is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase and congratulate this delicious expertise. The galette Galette des Rois made for the French president usually measures 1.20 meters in diameter!