National Crepe Day (February 2)
National Crepe Day is celebrated on February 2 and is a great excuse to enjoy one of the world’s most loved thin pancakes.
Whether you prefer them filled with fruit and chocolate or stuffed with cheese and vegetables, crepes work just as well for breakfast as they do for dinner.
With roots in French tradition, the day blends food history with simple kitchen fun. It’s one of those quirky February holidays that’s easy to celebrate at home.
When Is the Holiday?
It falls on February 2nd, the same day France celebrates Candlemas. It’s traditionally a time for cooking, sharing food, and enjoying crepes with family and friends.
Who Invented It?
There isn’t a single inventor, but crepes trace back to Brittany, France, in the 12th or 13th century.
Legend says they were first made by accident when buckwheat porridge spilled onto a hot griddle, and the rest is history.
The History of the Holiday
National Crepe Day, also known as La Chandeleur, is rooted in Candlemas, a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2. While it marks a religious event, the date also connects to older seasonal traditions celebrating the shift from winter toward spring.
Crepes became part of the celebration because of their round, golden shape, which symbolized the sun and brighter days ahead. In medieval France, ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk were seen as signs of prosperity and hope for a good harvest.
One well-known custom involves flipping a crepe in a pan while holding a coin, a tradition believed to bring good luck. Some families also saved the first crepe of the day for protection and fortune.
Over time, La Chandeleur evolved into a cultural celebration, with families gathering to enjoy crepes together. Today, it’s less about religion and more about sharing food and tradition.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Crepes made their way to Mexico in the 1800s, brought over by French settlers.
- Crepes Suzette was created by accident in 1895 by a teenage chef working in a French restaurant.
- Millecrepe cake, made with many thin layers, became popular in Japan during the 1980s.
- The word crepe comes from the Latin crispus, meaning curled or wrinkled.
- Crepes are traditionally made with buckwheat in Brittany, the region where they originated.
Coloring Page
If you’re celebrating with kids, this free National Crepe Day coloring page is a fun way to mix creativity with food-themed learning.
Activities to Celebrate
- Host a friendly crepe-making contest at home.
- Try something new, like savory chicken and mushroom crepes.
- Learn about French traditions connected to La Chandeleur.
- Share your crepe creations online to spread the fun.
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Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Banana Nutella Crepes – A rich, sweet option that feels indulgent but simple to make.
- Vietnamese Chicken Pancakes – A savory twist that adds variety to your crepe night.
- Keto Crepes – A low-carb option that still tastes great.
- Sweet Pea Lemon Crepe Cake – Light, fresh, and perfect for spring.
- Strawberry Crepe Cake – Layered with fruit for a naturally sweet dessert.
- 101 The New Crepe Cookbook is a beginner-friendly guide that walks you through classic French crepes with clear steps and simple ingredients.
Related Holidays
- International Pancake Day (Varies)
- National Blueberry Pancake Day (January 28th)
- International Waffle Day (March 25th)
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