Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day History

Galentine's Day is dedicated to acknowledging the significance, support, and joy that relationships bring to many women's lives. The celebration typically involves gift-giving, dining out, and spending quality time with close female friends. Such activities not only serve to strengthen these bonds but also create an opportunity for women to express appreciation to each other.

The concept of Galentine's Day was popularized by the American television show "Parks and Recreation" in 2010 when the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, hosted a breakfast for her female friends on February 13th. While the observance originated in American pop culture, it resonates with many women across the country owing to its cathartic celebration of female camaraderie. As such, it can be seen as a positive response to societal expectations that often relegate friendships to the periphery of romantic relationships, providing a platform to honor the vital role friendships play in many people's lives.

In America, women celebrate Galentine's Day in various ways. Some women host parties, others opt for intimate gatherings or outings, and some dedicate the day to exchanging thoughtful gifts. There is no prescribed way to observe the day making it an occasion for individual interpretation and celebration. Fittingly, Galentine's Day occurs the day before Valentine's Day, on February 13, underlining the importance of love in its many forms.

Top 8 Facts for Galentine's Day in 2026

• The fictional origin of the holiday traces back to the character Leslie Knope in a 2010 episode of the television sitcom Parks and Recreation.
• It is traditionally celebrated with a festive brunch featuring waffles and mimosas, a tribute to the protagonist's favorite meal in the debut episode titled Galentine's Day.
• Iconic phrases associated with the observance include the founding principle of ladies celebrating ladies along with the humorous slogans uteruses before duderuses and ovaries before brovaries.
• Prominent public figures such as Michelle Obama and celebrities like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Aniston have publicly participated in the festivities on social media, significantly boosting its visibility in modern pop culture.
• The concept was originally brought to life by screenwriter Aisha Muharrar, who penned the second-season script that established the event as the "best day of the year."
• The occasion has evolved to become more inclusive of all platonic bonds, often being referred to under the broader theme of Palentine's Day.
• Modern retail trends show a massive surge in demand for specialized merchandise, particularly for Instagrammable activities such as paint and sip parties, friendship bracelet kits, and unique items like the emotional support pickle.
• The cultural shift toward self-care and community bonding has turned the unofficial holiday into a major economic driver, with younger generations prioritizing experiences and small gifts over traditional romantic tokens.

In the News and Trending in the US for Galentine's Day

Top things to do in the US for Galentine's Day

• Spend time with your girlfriends. Go to brunch, enjoy happy hour, or plan a nice night out at a fancy restaurant.
• Watch the episode Galentines Day. It is the 16th episode of the 2nd season of Parks and Recreation. In it, Leslie attempts to reunite her mother with her teenage flame.
• Buy gifts for your best friends as a celebration of friendship.