The day before Valentine's Day has become a celebration of friendship. Galentine's Day, on February 13, is all about women celebrating their friends, often over brunch, a dinner, a movie night or small handmade gifts. It is a reminder that friendships deserve as much care and celebration as romance, and many people now celebrate friends of every gender in the same spirit.
History of Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day began on television. In a 2010 episode of the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation, the character Leslie Knope describes Galentine's Day as a day for 'ladies celebrating ladies', marked with a brunch with her female friends on February 13.
The idea struck a chord with viewers. Within a few years, real people were hosting Galentine's brunches and parties, and businesses began offering Galentine's cards, gifts and restaurant specials. It is now one of the most widely recognized new holidays to come from pop culture.
The day also reflects broader interest in celebrating friendship and in creating holidays that include people who are single or simply want to honor non-romantic relationships.
Why Galentine's Day Matters
Close friendships are one of the strongest sources of support and happiness in people's lives. Making time for friends helps keep those bonds strong as life gets busy.
Galentine's Day also offers a positive, inclusive alternative to Valentine's Day, whether you are in a relationship or not.
How to Celebrate Galentine's Day
- Host a brunch: invite friends for waffles, pastries and coffee or mocktails.
- Write friendship notes: tell each friend what you appreciate about them.
- Plan a group activity: try a pottery class, karaoke or a movie night.
- Give small gifts: homemade cookies, flowers or a playlist.
- Reconnect: message a friend you haven't seen in a while.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a Galentine's-style lunch or coffee break can celebrate colleagues and workplace friendships; keep it inclusive so everyone feels welcome. In classrooms, the day can be reframed as Friendship Day: students can write kind notes to classmates, make friendship bracelets, or discuss what makes a good friend. At home, parents can help children make cards or treats for their friends, and adults can plan a brunch or video call with friends who live far away. Even a short message saying 'I'm grateful for you' can make a friend's day.
Fun Facts About Galentine's Day
- Galentine's Day comes from a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation.
- It is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day.
- It quickly grew into a real-world tradition with cards, events and brunch specials.
Galentine's Day FAQs
When is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is February 13.
Where did Galentine's Day come from?
It was created in a 2010 episode of the TV comedy Parks and Recreation.
Is Galentine's Day only for women?
It started as a celebration of female friendship, but many people now celebrate all friends.
What are good Galentine's Day ideas?
Brunch, a movie night, a craft class, handwritten notes or small homemade gifts.