Epiphany
Historical Context
Epiphany falls on 6 January every year and is not an official public holiday. It is a religious tradition celebrating the visit of the three Magi.
Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day, celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. This feast on 6 January has its roots in early Christianity and spread across Western Europe during the Middle Ages. It is a religious day celebrated with family.
The main tradition is the galette des rois, a puff pastry cake hiding a small figurine or bean. Whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day. In some regions, children dress up as the three kings and go door-to-door collecting sweets.
Regional Traditions
Flanders
Groups of children dress as the three Magi, carry an illuminated paper star on a stick and sing door-to-door. In return they receive sweets or a small amount of money. In some villages, the tradition dates back to the 16th century.
Wallonia
The galette des rois is the undisputed centrepiece of 6 January. Families buy the puff pastry cakes from their regular baker. Whoever finds the hidden figurine (la fève) is crowned with the paper crown that comes with the galette.
East Belgium
In the German-speaking Community, the Dreikönigskuchen is eaten, a bread-like pastry with dried fruit that is closer to the German tradition than the French galette.
Tournai
Lundi Perdu (Lost Monday) is a tradition over 700 years old, celebrated on the Monday after Epiphany. Participants draw lots to assign roles including a king, and share a codified menu featuring rabbit à la tournaisienne. Recognised heritage since 2021.