The Galette des Rois is becoming increasingly popular in the province; Some even say that it is simply becoming fashionable again.
• Also read: 7 exceptional places to get a Galette des Rois
The pancake, whose tradition goes back several centuries, took center stage in several pastry shops in the province on Saturday.
In an interview with TVA Nouvelles, Patrick Nisot, owner of La Boite à Pain in Quebec, explains that the tradition dates back to Roman times.
“It was a Saturnalia celebration. It was an opportunity to celebrate the return of the sun. January 6th is around the time when we feel the sun coming back, and that's why it's significant. It’s the festival of the sun,” he explains.
TVA News
According to tradition, each Galette des Rois must contain a bean, and the person who receives the portion with the bean becomes king or queen and in turn determines their significant other.
“On this day, the king and queen do pretty much what they want: they become masters of the house,” explains Mr. Nisot.
La Boite à Pain has four branches, so Mr. Nisot is well placed to feel the pulse of the population's consumption habits, and he is categorical: the Galette des Rois has experienced a new trend in recent years.
“We start making the Galettes des Rois in October… it takes a while to make them. “We at Boite à Pain will produce 1,500 pieces and then start selling them from Christmas onwards. “In the last week, around fifty Galettes des Rois have been sold per store,” explains the owner, indicating the individual Galettes des Rois. The pancake is assembled, cut and baked that same morning.
“I think it is a product that is anchored in the Quebec tradition or exists now, it is definitely, yes,” he adds.
One thing is certain: for a growing number of Quebecers, the Galette des Rois tradition is the ideal opportunity to extend the holiday season by a few extra days.