<P> The `` king cake '' takes its name from the biblical kings . In Western Christian liturgical tradition , the Solemnity of Epiphany -- commemorated on January 6 -- celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child . The Eve of Epiphany ( the night of January 5 ) is popularly known as Twelfth Night ( the Twelve Days of Christmas are counted from Christmas Eve until this night ) . The season for king cake extends from the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas ( Twelfth Night and Epiphany Day ) , up until the end of Shrovetide : Mardi Gras , `` Fat Tuesday , '' or Shrove Tuesday ; the day before the start of Lent . Some organizations or groups of friends may have `` king cake parties '' every week through the Carnival season . In Portugal and France , whoever gets the King cake trinket is expected to buy the next cake for these get - togethers . </P>
<P> The `` king cake '' takes its name from the biblical kings . In Western Christian liturgical tradition , the Solemnity of Epiphany -- commemorated on January 6 -- celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child . The Eve of Epiphany ( the night of January 5 ) is popularly known as Twelfth Night ( the Twelve Days of Christmas are counted from Christmas Eve until this night ) . The season for king cake extends from the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas ( Twelfth Night and Epiphany Day ) , up until the end of Shrovetide : Mardi Gras , `` Fat Tuesday , '' or Shrove Tuesday ; the day before the start of Lent . Some organizations or groups of friends may have `` king cake parties '' every week through the Carnival season . In Portugal and France , whoever gets the King cake trinket is expected to buy the next cake for these get - togethers . </P>
what is the name of the special cake eaten in france on 6 january
what is the name of the special cake eaten in france on 6 january
king cake
king cake