Chandeleur: France’s Crêpe-Filled Celebration

Every year on February 2nd, French families and friends gather to celebrate La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas.
This charming holiday blends ancient traditions, religious observances, and, of course, food, making it a cherished occasion in French culture. Let’s dive into the origins of Chandeleur, its folkloric stories, modern-day festivities, and, of course, how to make the perfect French crêpes!
The origins of Chandeleur
Chandeleur finds its roots in both pagan and Christian traditions. Long before it became associated with Christianity, the holiday marked the midpoint of winter and celebrated the return of light. The Romans observed this day with torchlit processions honouring the god Pan, while in Celtic traditions, it was linked to Imbolc, a festival celebrating fertility and the first signs of spring.
With the rise of Christianity, Chandeleur became Candlemas, a feast commemorating the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 40 days after his birth. Candles (or “cierges” in French) were blessed in churches and carried in processions to symbolize purification and light. The name “Chandeleur” derives from the Latin “candelarum,” meaning candle.
Over time, Chandeleur also absorbed folkloric beliefs. One popular superstition holds that flipping a crêpe with one hand while holding a gold coin in the other ensures prosperity for the coming year. Another tradition says that if the weather on Chandeleur is clear, winter will last longer, echoing the Groundhog Day sentiment in North America.
Modern-day celebrations
Today, La Chandeleur is less about religious observance and more about culinary tradition and conviviality. The day is synonymous with crêpes, and the French take their crêpe-making seriously. Families gather in kitchens, flipping crêpes with practiced skill while sharing laughter and stories. Crêpes are served sweet or savory, with fillings ranging from classic sugar and lemon to chocolate spread, jam or caramel. In Brittany and Normandy in particular, buckwheat crêpes – known as galettes – are served as a savoury option followed by a traditional sweet crêpe for dessert.
Schools, community centres, and crêperies often organize special events, including crêpe-making contests or communal meals. It’s a day to indulge in simple pleasures, and share a convivial moment with different generations.
A Recipe for French Crêpes
Making traditional French crêpes at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a classic recipe to bring the spirit of Chandeleur to your kitchen.
Ingredients (Makes about 10 sweet crêpes):
- 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (500ml) of milk
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for the pan)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, if you want your crêpes to be sweeter)
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: a shot of rhum or ½ cup of light beer
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar (if using), and salt.
- Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Gradually whisk the eggs into the flour.
- Slowly add the milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the melted butter and mix until the batter is smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crêpe pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with butter.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling it to evenly coat the surface.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to lift, then flip the crêpe and cook for another minute.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crêpes on a plate.
Serving Suggestions:
For sweet crêpes, try spreading them with chocolate spread, drizzling them with honey, or sprinkling them with sugar and a squeeze of lemon. Embrace the Tradition.
Whether you’re flipping crêpes for luck or simply enjoying their buttery goodness, celebrating Chandeleur is a delightful way to honour French tradition. It’s a day to savour the warmth of shared meals and the comfort of time-honoured customs. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of crêpes, and let the light of Chandeleur brighten your winter days.
Lead photo credit : © Shutterstock
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