La Chandeleur: Why does France bake Crêpes on February 2?

On February 2, we celebrate the so-called “Chandeleur” in France and on this day, the whole country bakes crêpes! It’s one of my absolute favorite traditions from my home country. I’ll tell you all about why that is and where this charming tradition actually comes from in this article.

After the famous tradition of the Galette des Rois in January, the next reason to get together and celebrate in France follows on February 2: it’s la Chandeleur!

Where Does the Tradition of the Chandeleur Come From?

There are many stories about how the festival came about, but I prefer to tell you the version that was always explained to me in France.

The Chandeleur is a Christian holiday and always takes place exactly 40 days after Christmas. The name comes from chandelle, the French word for candle. In the past, it was customary to have candles blessed on this day and to carry them home burning very carefully. The light was supposed to bring protection into the house for the whole year.

But what does all this have to do with crêpes? It’s actually a mixture of Christian tradition and old springtime customs: The crêpes are round and golden yellow, so they remind directly of the sun! That’s why they were baked: they were like a symbol of light, a delicious addition or even an “edible substitute” for the candles, so to speak.

The Famous Flipping Crêpe Ritual!

Every celebration has little rituals with a bit of superstition! At the Chandeleur, there is a custom that I loved as a child:

You hold a gold coin (or today simply a euro coin) in your right hand while you turn the crêpe in the pan with your left hand.

If the crêpe lands perfectly and doesn’t fall on the floor, it means happiness and prosperity for the whole year. Give it a try – it’s a lot of fun (even if one misses, I promise!).

Now It’s Time to Bake Crêpes!

Let’s now celebrate together! To get you started right away, I’ve put together my absolute favorite Crêpe recipes here. Whether savory, elegant or classic :

• Classic crêpes: Here you can find my recipe for crêpes batter that you can easily fill with jam, a chocolate spread or simply granulated sugar with a drop of lemon juice.
• Crêpes Suzette: The absolute classic with orange sauce and a dash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Cognac. If you have guests, this is a really special dessert!
• The Galettes Bretonnes (savory Buckwheat crepes): Made with buckwheat flour, perfect as a main course with a salad or for dinner. I like to fill them with ham, cheese and an egg (Galette Complète) but you can just use what you have in the fridge!

And Are There Similar Traditions Around the World?

Over the years, I have learned that there are very similar traditions in many other countries. Maybe, you already know more about them or know of other customs? I’m always curious so let me know in the comments!

Here is a brief look across the border:

• Great Britain: The famous “Pancake Day” (Shrove Tuesday).
• Italy: The “Festa della Candelora”, where you eat crespelle.
• Mexico: “El Día de la Candelaria”, a huge family festival.
• Greece: Traditional celebrations with loukoumades (sweet honey balls).