On February 2nd, the French celebrate a holiday with …. you guessed it: food!
C'est La Chandeleur, a.k.a. Crêpe Day! Some say Chandeleur celebrates the return of sunny days. You can think of it as a tastier version of Groundhog Day.
The origins of the celebration date back from ancient times with pagan and religious roots. The day is known as La Chandeleur, or Candlemas in English. It's the 40th day of the Christmas-Epiphany season, and is the last feast of the Christmas cycle.
The holiday falls in the middle of the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The round, golden shape of the crêpe resembles the sun, symbolizing the warmth of spring and a reason to celebrate as the days start getting longer.
Over the centuries many French regions have created their own traditions and superstitions. For example, it's traditional to eat them in the evening. Make sure to hold a gold coin in your left hand (for good luck, of course) and the pan in the other. Flip the crêpe into the air, and if you manage to catch it in the pan, you’ll enjoy a prosperous year.
Not trying your hand at making your own crêpes this weekend? Indulge your craving at one of our favorite spots:
Pates Et Traditions: 52 Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211, Williamsburg
Madam Poupon: 387A Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216, Bedford Stuyvesant
Cafe Triskell: 33-04 36th Ave., Astoria, NY 11106 - Astoria, Long Island City
Delice & Sarrasin: 20 Christopher St., New York, NY 10014, West Village
Bar Suzette: 425 W 15th St., New York, NY 10011 - Meatpacking District, Chelsea
Little Choc Apothecary: 141 Havemeyer St., Brooklyn, NY 11211, Williamsburg
Where are you getting your #crêpe on today?