Here we are, the month of December has started, young and old gourmets attack the advent calendar to be sure not to miss Christmas. For the occasion, Provence was covered with snow, a first !

In addition to the advent calendar, there are other traditions in Provence around the Christmas holidays; today we are going to talk about the 13 desserts.

What are the 13 desserts ?

The 13 desserts, also called Calenos, is a Provencal tradition going back to the 17th century. 

It is a priest, in one of the neighborhoods of Marseille, who talks about it in 1683 in his book “explanation of habits and customs of the inhabitants of Marseille”

At the time 13 little breads were served at the end of the Christmas meal, representing the twelve apostles and Christ, accompanied by many delicacies like fresh and dried fruits, cakes, preserves and sweets.

It is much later that the Felibrige movement would mention the 13 Provencal desserts.

The Felibrige movement, founded by Frederic Mistral, aimed at bringing back and maintaining the Provencal language and the cultural identity of Provence.

Since then, tradition requires that 13 desserts be present on the Christmas eve table.  No more, no less.

The 13 desserts, a gourmet Provencal tradition.

Depending on the region and the canton, the composition of the 13 desserts vary.

However, the list of the “Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of the Marseille area” is considered the reference list for the 13 desserts.

If you so desire, celebrate this Christmas the Provencal way, we share with you the list of what you should plan:

·         The oil pump, a dessert with flour, olive oil, sugar and orange blossom.

·         The Four Beggars representing four religious orders having made a vow of poverty: nuts or hazelnuts for Augustins, dried figs for Franciscans, almonds for Carmes and raisins for Dominicans.

·         Apple

·         Fresh grapes

·         End of season green melon

·         An orange, sign of wealth

·         Dates, symbol of Christ having come from the orient.

·         Black nougat with melted honey cooked with almonds.

·         White nougat, with hazelnuts, pine nuts and pistachios.

·         Red nougat with rose and pistachios

Depending on your taste, you can add dates stuffed with almond paste, Calissons d’Aix, quince jelly, crunchy almond sweets, etc.

So this year, for Christmas, put a little Provence in your Christmas Day meal and enjoy

As to last year resolution to eat less sweets... No.. It has not been forgotten. We keep it warm for the New Year.

Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence suggests that you  stay in one of its Provencal Mas to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in Provence.

If you wish to discover the riches offered by Provence, we invite you  to contact our agency Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence or to request a custom made quote by clicking on this link.