For many, January 6 is associated with Epiphany, the Christian festival celebrating the day when, according to the Bible, the three wise men Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar visited the manger of baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
However, across Belgium, the day is also a highlight for children and people with a sweet tooth, as a special cake — driekoningen taart in Dutch and galette des rois in French, translated as (three) kings' cake — is often served for the occasion, when loved ones gather and share the treat.
While its form and ingredients can vary, the typical cake consists of two circles of puff pastry sandwiching an almond filling. Inside, something rather unusual is hidden: a bean or figurine. For some, the figurine represents the Christ Child, while for others it is the symbol of fertility.
The driekoningen taart (Dutch) or galette des rois (French) is enjoyed on Epiphany. Credit: Belga/ Laurie Dieffembacq
Whoever gets this little object when the cake is cut is crowned the king or queen of the day, and gets to wear the (golden) paper crown that is included with the cake.
A special find
In one bakery in Brussels, however, something even more unusual will be hidden in the cake. Boulangerie De Weerdt in the municipality of Saint-Gilles will this year hide four golden coins worth €500 in its galette des rois, the company announced on its social media pages.
"Would you like to have a 'galette des rois'? This year, the king or queen, will be well spoiled. A beautiful gold coin worth 500€ will be put in four galettes," a post on its Facebook page read.
Last year, the company launched a similar action, but at the time put just two 18-carat gold coins with its logo in the traditional Epiphany cakes, meaning this year, the chances of finding the coins are doubled.
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As was the case in 2022, the cakes will be sold in the bakery all week long, but anyone who wants to take a shot at winning the gold coin will have to buy their cake on Friday 6 January.
Last year, the bakery saw as many as 2,500 of the traditional tarts fly over the counter as a result of the special offer. As the prize amount is doubled this year, the bakery has prepared itself for a rush of clients. The bakery recommends that the lucky winner contact its store to get their prize money, while the coin can be kept as a souvenir.
