January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany, is an important celebration throughout France that marks the end of the Christmas festivities. The French have kept many of their historic Epiphany feast day customs, including that of friends and family gathering for the traditional evening meal. 

Galette des Rois or Gâteau des Rois (Kings Cake, named after the three Kings who arrived in Bethlehem to pay homage to the Infant Jesus) is the traditional Twelfth Night cake and friends and neighbours are all invited to share in the custom of cutting the cake.

A "fève" - a small figurine - is hidden in the galette (the word is derived from galet - a round flat pebble, which was the original shape of the cake) before baking. The lucky guest who gets the fève is crowned king or queen for the day and is allowed to choose his or her consort among the other guests and can issue orders that must be obeyed by everyone present! This takes place all over France in every family, between friends and work colleagues. The children absolutely love the game.    

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