Which French holiday on February 2nd involves eating crepes?

The French holiday on February 2 associated with eating crêpes is La Chandeleur, known in English as Candlemas. The date falls 40 days after Christmas and commemorates the Christian presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

The holiday’s name comes from the French word for candles, reflecting traditional candlelit processions and the religious symbolism of light. In France, the day also became closely linked with making and sharing crêpes. Their round, golden appearance is often interpreted as a symbol of the sun and the hoped-for return of spring.

Several explanations for the crêpe tradition circulate. One story connects it with Pope Gelasius I and food given to pilgrims in Rome, while other interpretations point to older seasonal customs involving grain, fertility, or the use of flour from the previous harvest. These origin stories are not equally certain, so they should be treated as traditions rather than settled history.

La Chandeleur is also associated with kitchen superstitions. One popular custom involves flipping a crêpe while holding a coin, supposedly bringing prosperity for the coming year. The holiday is therefore both a religious observance and a much-loved food tradition.