What is Galentine’s Day?

“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year!” -Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), 2010 NBC’s TV sitcom, Parks & Recreation, (Season 2, Episode 16)

Parks & Recreation is a fun-loving, comedy sitcom that follows the work (Parks & Rec Department) and personal lives of the characters on the show. Spunky, energetic lead character, Leslie Knope, finds many reasons to celebrate unofficial (made-up) holidays. Some “holidays” include: Calzone Day, Haircut Day, Text Message Day, and of course, Galentine’s Day. For Galentine’s Day, Leslie explains,

““…my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” ”

Galentine’s Day is observed on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. Although this celebration is actually a made-up holiday (originating 10 years ago from a TV show); it actually has a lovely sentiment around the season of Valentine’s Day: friend appreciation.

Galentine’s Day has become more widely celebrated in recent years. Mostly in part that it doesn’t focus completely on couples, as the limitations of Valentine’s Day typically define. Although the celebrations of Galentine’s Day vary from an extravagant gal pal brunch date adorned with personal gifts to a simple card expressing gratitude of friendship; there’s not a specific tradition that has to be followed for this unofficial holiday. Which is perhaps what makes it that much more fun!?

This year is a bit trickier to navigate in-person gatherings for Galentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth celebrating. This just gives us another reason to get creative with social gatherings - online video chats, happy hours, or perhaps sending small cards, sentiments, or flowers to Share the Love.

Remember, February 13th - Galentine’s Day isn’t just for “gals.” This unofficial holiday is certainly a lovely way to take a day to celebrate and appreciate the friendships that help us through the ups and downs of life.