Bolo Rei

Bolo Rei or King's Cake is a traditional Portuguese cake that is typically eaten around Christmas, from December 25 until Epiphany, on the 6th of January (Twelfth Night or Dia de Reis).

History

The tradition of eating a cake to celebrate the Epiphany dates back to the Roman times, as part of the festivities of Saturnalia. The tradition was later Christianized and the cake became associated with the three Kings who visited the baby Jesus. The Portuguese version of the cake, Bolo Rei, is said to have been introduced to Portugal by the French during the 19th century.

Ingredients and Preparation

Bolo Rei is made from a soft, white dough, usually with raisins, various nuts and crystallized fruit. Also included is a dried fava bean, and tradition dictates that whoever finds the fava has to buy the Bolo Rei in the following year. Some versions of the cake may also include a small prize, usually a small metal toy.

The cake is baked in a ring shape, representing a crown, and is decorated with crystallized fruit and nuts to symbolize the jewels in a crown.

Cultural Significance

In Portugal, the Bolo Rei is a staple dessert in any Christmas season. Its presence is so important that, despite its name - which would suggest it is eaten on King's Day, January 6 - it starts being sold by Portuguese bakeries as early as November.

The cake is often used to celebrate the Epiphany, with the fava bean and the prize serving as a fun way to determine who will be responsible for the celebration the following year.

See Also

• Portuguese cuisine
• Christmas traditions in Portugal
• Epiphany (holiday)