Category: Meet & Share

As we step into the New Year, we are excited to invite you to an exclusive Galette des Rois party organised by the CCI France Estonie. This year’s celebration promises to be even more special as we have chosen a vibrant venue – ankruSAAL. The event will go beyond the delightful flavours of the pastry to embrace a charming tradition.

The evening is full of promises such as music and other surprises….

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: Thursday 9 January 2025.
• Time: 19.30 (doors open at 19.00).
• Venue: ankruSAAL, Ankru tn 10, 11713 Tallinn.
• free Parking (3 hours)
• Tram (1,2,5) stop Sirbi

The event ticket is 20 EUR for our CCI FE members.
Access ticket is 30 EUR for non-members.
Children are welcome but need to be also registered with a 10 EUR ticket.

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

If you wish to become a member of CCI France Estonie to join our party at discounted price, send us an email at event@ccife.ee.

Reminder :

• Any cancellation within less than 48 hours will not be refunded.
• Registration is mandatory for each participant.
• A waiting list will be created in case of full enrollment.

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 strong 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 des Rois made for the French president usually measures 1.20 meters in diameter!