The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

KING CAKE

IN NEW ORLEANS IN THE SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE MARDI
GRAS SEASON BEGINS, AT THE END OF JANUARY, KING CAKE
PARTIES ARE HELD THROUGH MARDI GRAS. THE KING CAKE
IS PREPARED BEFORE HAND. THIS CONSISTS OF A FROSTED
BREAD PASTRY WITH A SMALL TOY DOLL IN THE INSIDE.
THE PERSON AT THE PARTY WHO RECEIVES THE PIECE WITH
THE DOLL INSIDE, IS OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE NEXT PARTY.

Submitter comment: MY SISTER ATTENDED SOME OF THESE PARTIES AND ENJOYED
THEM VERY MUCH.

Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans