Discover the magic of Candlemas with Galeries Lafayette

Did you know that Candlemas is one of France’s most enduring traditions, and that delicious crêpes are made to celebrate it ?

From Galeries Lafayette, we explain how this festivity is lived around the world and share the ingredients and steps for making the perfect crêpe.

Candlemas, also known as Candlemas Day or the Festival of Candles, is a French tradition dating back to ancient Rome. Every 2 February, people took to the streets with torches to celebrate the beginning of the earth’s return to fertility and the end of winter.

In 472 AD, Pope Gelasius I transformed this tradition into a Catholic feast day. He associated this celebration with the lighting of candles, which commemorated the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary 40 days after giving birth, as indicated in the Old Testament. Since then, this date has been known as Candlemas.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the tradition of preparing crêpes was established, as a symbol of prosperity for the harvests to come. The round shape of the crêpe evokes the sun.

Celebrating Candlemas around the world

Although Candlemas is a French tradition, other countries have also adopted it. In the Canary Islands, for example, it is linked to the Virgen de Candelaria, referring to an apparition of the Virgin to two shepherds in the 14th century. In countries such as Mexico and the United States, it is also celebrated with its own customs, although crêpes are exclusive to France. However, this culinary practice is gaining in popularity in many regions. Thanks to the gourmet products and utensils provided by Galeries Lafayette, you can now incorporate this delicious tradition into your celebrations and prepare your own crêpes.

Candlemas in France

Candlemas is one of France’s most festive events, and the perfect excuse to gather with family and friends around a table laden with crêpes, both sweet and savoury. The tradition is to flip the crêpe in the air while holding a coin in your hand. Crêpes are usually topped with jam, cream or melted chocolate, ingredients that can be found at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet.

Candlemas in Mexico

Candlemas is also celebrated in Mexico on 2 February, combining traditional Catholic, Jewish and pre-Columbian elements. In this case, whoever finds the bean (fève) in the Rosca de Reyes (Kings’ Cake) on 6 January organises a snack during which tamales and atole, symbols of abundance, are served. An increasing number of families are adding crêpes to this tradition, creating a delicious cultural fusion with a French twist.

With the quality crêpe makers available in the kitchenware section on the first and second floors of Galeries Lafayette, making crêpes for Candlemas will be child’s play.

Candlemas in the United States

In the United States, 2 February is known as Groundhog Day, a holiday popularised by Bill Murray in the unforgettable film Groundhog Day. However, in French-influenced regions such as New Orleans, Candlemas is also celebrated, combining crêpes with other Creole and Cajun dishes.

Thanks to Galeries Lafayette utensils and products, such as non-stick frying pans and top-of- the-range chocolates, you can recreate the Candlemas experience at home.

Typical crêpe recipes for Candlemas

Easy to prepare, sweet or savoury crêpes are the undisputed stars of the French festival of Candlemas. Here we share some of the traditional recipes that are so popular at this time of year. And to get fully into the French spirit, don’t forget to flip your crêpe in the air while keeping a coin in your hand to attract abundance, as is the Candlemas tradition !

Ingredients and steps for a perfect crêpe

Want to make perfect crêpes like a true Frenchman ?

Ingredients for approx. 8 crêpes

• 2 eggs
• 240 ml milk
• 110 g flour
• 15 ml sugar, for a sweet crêpe (optional)
• 2 g salt
• Butter or oil for pan-frying

Steps

1. In a bowl, mix the eggs, milk and salt (add the sugar if you want a sweet version).
2. Sift in the flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
3. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick frying pan or crêpe pan with a little butter or oil.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter into the centre and swirl to cover the entire surface.
6. Fry the crêpe until the edges are golden, turn over and fry on the other side.
7. Arrange your favourite sweet or savoury toppings. To give your crêpes a French touch, don’t forget to buy the best ingredients and the ideal utensils at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet.

Tips to avoid lumps :  To avoid lumps, be sure to sift the flour before adding it and stir it gradually with the liquids, whisking constantly with a whisk. If any lumps remain, pass the mixture through a fine sieve before putting it in the fridge.

If you want to take this delicious tradition home with you, don’t forget to visit Galeries Lafayette to find everything you need. What’s more, you can take part in one of our pastry classes and discover the secrets of France’s best pastry chefs.

An experience not to be missed by those with a passion for cooking.

If you missed out on making delicious crêpes during Candlemas, don’t worry ! This delicacy is also prepared during Mardi Gras.