All About Candlemas
What Is Candlemas?
Candlemas, known in France as La Chandeleur, is celebrated every year on February 2nd. This unique French holiday blends Christian and pagan traditions with a culinary twist: the joyful making and sharing of crêpes. But where does this delicious celebration come from?
The Christian Origins of Candlemas
The origins of Candlemas go back to a Christian feast known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 40 days after Christmas. According to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40), Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, in accordance with Jewish custom. This event is also referred to as the Purification of the Virgin.
The French name “Chandeleur” comes from “chandelle”, meaning candle, referencing the candlelight processions that were traditionally held to celebrate Christ as the light of the world.
Pagan Roots and the Festival of Light
Long before Christianity, February 2nd was already marked by festivals celebrating light and renewal.
In Ancient Rome, the Festival of Lights and Lupercalia celebrated the lengthening of days and the return of sunlight after winter.
In Celtic and Germanic cultures, this date represented the halfway point of winter, a symbol of hope and the coming of spring.
Candlemas, or La Chandeleur, is thus a blend of religious and seasonal celebrations, making it both spiritual and joyful.
Why Do the French Eat Crêpes on Candlemas?
In France, eating crêpes on La Chandeleur is the most beloved part of the celebration—and it’s full of symbolic meaning.
The round, golden crêpes represent the sun, celebrating the return of light.
In rural tradition, people believed that successfully flipping a crêpe while holding a coin in the other hand would bring good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.
Crêpes also symbolized abundance, especially as they were made with leftover flour from the previous harvest.
Crêpes: The Star of Candlemas in French Cuisine
Whether sweet or savory, crêpes are the stars of the table on February 2nd. Here’s a closer look at the tasty Candlemas tradition:
Sweet Crêpes:
Sugar crêpes: The simplest form—just a sprinkle of sugar, sometimes with a dash of lemon juice.
Crêpes with jam, melted chocolate, or fresh fruit: Classic favorites loved by all ages.
Flambéed crêpes: Filled with liqueur like Grand Marnier or rum and set alight for a dramatic (and delicious) effect.
Savory Crêpes (Galettes):
“Galette complète”: A traditional buckwheat crêpe filled with ham, cheese, and a fried egg—especially popular in Brittany.
Vegetarian or salmon galettes: Lighter options, equally delicious.
A Family Celebration Full of Light and Joy
Today, Candlemas is celebrated mostly as a family-friendly holiday in France. People gather to cook crêpes together, light candles, and try the traditional coin-flipping ritual—all while enjoying a cozy, delicious evening.
The celebration is especially strong in northern France and Brittany, where crêpes hold a deep cultural significance.
Here’s a simple recipe to create the most delicious crêpes for your celebration:
Perfect Wine Pairings for Crêpes
Vouvray AOC: A white wine from the Loire Valley, pairs perfectly with sweet crêpes (with sugar, marmalade/jam, or fresh fruit), highlighting the delicate flavors of sugar and fruit with its lightness, acidity, stone fruit aromas, and floral notes.
Maury AOC: A sweet red wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon, pairs deliciously with crêpes filled with chocolate, a perfect contrast, complementing the intensity of the chocolate with its rich fruitiness and velvety texture.
Chablis AOC: A Burgundy white wine, offers an ideal balance of acidity and subtle fruitiness with savory crêpes, especially those with cheese or ham. Its liveliness cuts through the richness of the filling, making each bite more harmonious and refreshing
❝ Dear Wine Enthusiasts,
La Chandeleur is here, and it’s time to indulge in the delicious French tradition of crêpes!
Whether you prefer savory or sweet, this special day offers the perfect excuse to gather with family and friends to enjoy one of France’s most beloved dishes.
To make your celebration even better, we have curated a list of wine pairings that will complement your crêpes perfectly.
Let’s make La Chandeleur 2025 unforgettable! 🕯️❞
Grand Cru and Etiquette
Sources:
Gospel of Luke 2:22–40 – The Presentation of Jesus
Larousse Encyclopedia: La Chandeleur
Catholic Encyclopedia – Entry on Candlemas
France Culture – “Pourquoi mange-t-on des crêpes à la Chandeleur?” (2020)
Le Monde des Religions – On the pagan roots of Candlemas
