Got a love-hate relationship withValentine’s Day? Think the season is only meant for those involved in a relationship? Or are you in relationship but want an excuse to celebrate others in your life that you love?
There might another holiday for you to put your time and energy into this February — Galentine's Day.
When is Galentine's Day 2024?
Grab your gal pals! Galentine's Day will be Tuesday,Feb. 13.
What is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day traces its origins back to an episode of the popular workplace comedy "Parks & Recreation."
"It's only the best day of the year," said Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department of the (fictional) town of Pawnee, Indiana.
In the now-iconic episode, Knope, played by Amy Poehler, took her friends to a local diner to honor them with "disturbingly specific" gifts. How was the holiday celebrated? According to Knope:
- Leavingyour boyfriends and husbands at home
- Kicking it breakfast style (i.e. go grab some waffles or pancakes at a local spot)
- Ladies celebrating ladies
What is the meaning of Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is meant for women to celebrate their friendships with their fellow ladies. As USA TODAY puts it, it has the "spirit of Valentine's Day day— all the mushiness and affection— except rather than doling it out to your lover, you dole it out toyour friends."
Is Galentine's Day only for singles? Is Galentine's Day also for men?
It doesn't matter if you're in a committed relationship, happily single or in a complicated "situationship," you're free to celebrate Galentine's Day with your friends.
But as the name would suggest, it is meant to celebrate women and their friendships with each other. However, there is "Palentine's Day" on the same day, which is another celebration of friendship.
Grown out of the success of Galentine's Day to include everybody, there are no rules or particular customs, it's just a day to appreciate platonic love and the friends in your life by spending time together and doing things you like.
How can I celebrate Galentine's Day?
You can celebrate it however you and your besties want! You can keep it super simple with gifts to show your appreciation or you can throw full-on parties to celebrate your bond.
Fashion magazine Cosmopolitan shares these ideas if you're not sure what route to take:
- Pay tribute to Leslie Knope by hosting a waffle andco*cktail brunch
- Throw a Galentine's Day gathering
- Make a reservation at a fancy restaurant
- Coordinate a group mani-pedi appointment
- If yourbestie is long-distance, send them acute care packageand catch up over a long FaceTime
- Simply pop champagne and commemorate your friendship
C.A. Bridges, USA Today Florida Network, contributed to this story.
