Galette des Rois at Cours Florent

La Galette des Rois is a French tradition that I became familiar with through Cours Florent, as the school makes sure to organize this event every year. 

At first, it may seem like just a cake shared between students, but behind it there is a long history and a strong cultural meaning. I will explore where this tradition comes from and what it means for students today. 

La Galette des Rois is eaten every year at the beginning of January to celebrate Epiphany, on January 6th. Even though this celebration has religious origins, today many people take part in the tradition without seeing it as a religious event. It has become more of a social moment shared with others. 

Today, the most common Galette des Rois in northern France is made of puff pastry filled with frangipane, an almond cream. One of the most important elements of the Galette des Rois is the fève, a small object hidden inside the cake. In the past, it was a simple bean, but today it is often a small porcelain figure. Whoever finds the fève becomes the king or queen for the day and wears a paper crown. The cake is usually shared with family, friends, or classmates, and the slices are often distributed randomly to ensure fairness. 

Beyond its history, the Galette des Rois also plays an important social role, especially in an international academic environment, such as in our Acting in English program. 

For Alex, a third-year student in the program, this event reflects the cultural diversity of the department, as moments like this bring together students from different countries and backgrounds, giving them the chance to meet, talk, and learn from one another. While the Galette des Rois is a French tradition, it becomes a shared experience where students can simply enjoy being together and exchange cultures, which is what makes the international department so valuable. 

Ultimately, the Galette des Rois is more than just a traditional cake eaten in January. It is a way of bringing people together and creating connections through a shared tradition. At Cours Florent, this event enables students to experience French culture while also fostering a sense of community. Through moments like this, traditions continue to evolve while remaining relevant in modern student life.