Explained: What Galentine's Day is and seven ways to get on-board (2024)

February 14th has traditionally been a day dedicated to lovers, but in recent years a new holiday has surfaced, taking the shine away from romantic relationships. We call it, Galentine’s.

No one seems to care as much about the heart-shaped pillows and teddy bears with “I love you” embroidered into their stomachs.

As people increasingly recognise the value of self-love, we are becoming less reliant on romantic love dependent on someone else.

This has led to a fluctuation in Galentine’s celebrations, and if you don’t quite know what this term means, you’ve come to the right place.

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Explained: What Galentine's Day is and seven ways to get on-board (1)

What is Galentine’s Day?

The purpose of Galentine’s Day is to celebrate the platonic love shared between friends, the people intrinsic in our support systems who are there for us between the sticky breakups.

The day is set aside for honouring friendship in all its various and wonderful forms.

Galentine’s isn’t an official holiday per se, but has become increasingly popular over recent years via the internet.

It includes every demographic of people, not just singletons. According to the Urban Dictionary, the Galentine’s takes place on February 13th, meaning those lucky in love can celebrate both.

Explained: What Galentine's Day is and seven ways to get on-board (2)

Seven ways to get on board

Themed party nights. Get your gals and non-binary pals together for a party inspired by your favourite film or TV show. Everyone’s outfit should appropriately reflect the theme, whether that means dressing as particular characters or sharing a certain colour palette. You can make decorations and party snacks together. Some theme suggestions include, Mean Girls, Euphoria, Clueless. Anything that portrays friendship to its core.

Galentine’s brunch. Get the group together and visit your favourite local brunch spot.

Romantic book club. Prepare ahead of time and have friends all read the same romantic novel. This idea is great for friends who live far away, as they can still join in the conversation via FaceTime or Zoom.

Spa day. A full day dedicated to rest and relaxation. Lots of spas will be offering Valentine’s day deals you and your pals can make use of.

Retail therapy. Grab a couple of friends and go shopping. They will be the best people to give advice on what looks good and what doesn’t.

Staycation. Plan a weekend away for your closest buddies somewhere not too far away. You can spend the time embroiled in conversation, trying new activities, cooking good food, and drinking nice wine.

Floral Arrangements. You can see if any local classes are available or host yourself. Floral arranging is not only visually pleasing but it’s good for the mind and soul.

galentines day! pic.twitter.com/clRB12jAnT

— ken 🌟 (@wellnessbabies) February 14, 2022

The internet react to 2022 Galentines

As Galentine’s well and truly takes hold, people are flocking online to share their reactions to the unofficial official holiday and show friends what they got up too.

One Twitter user wrote: “They put the Super Bowl on Galentine’s day? Who do they think they are?”

Another added: “Galentine’s >>> Valentine’s.”

Someone else said: “What is Galentine’s? Only the best day of the year!”

https://twitter.com/evildild*s/status/1492678883870937090

Had a cute Galentines with my date🤍✨ pic.twitter.com/md2lHkpX7J

— Mbali Dlamini (@itsjustleigh__) February 14, 2022

a Mean Girls themed Galentines > pic.twitter.com/gw7zAntFBU

— kkay (@kkalene_) February 12, 2022

Why they using galentines and not valentines😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/MkGkXxsKCW

— amie ✌︎traja day✌︎ (@ichigoxtapioka) February 13, 2022

Galentines Day! 💖 #weekscupidbingo #Glade pic.twitter.com/4RM1LvraKS

— Jenna McKnight (@JennaZarafonet1) February 14, 2022

at every table, i’ll save you a seat💕#loverbrunch #galentines@taylorswift13 @taylornation13 pic.twitter.com/6Xi3sDIE8I

— becca🤍 (@becca_153) February 12, 2022

happy galentines day pic.twitter.com/prEV4SluXH

— ally (@folkloresghost) February 13, 2022

happy galentines day from my girlfriends to yours pic.twitter.com/7kWFJPseUp

— cornflakes girl (@cxrnflqkes) February 13, 2022

Galentines Coochie Board styled by yours truly 💋🍫🍓 pic.twitter.com/3XTesI06f7

— tramhelen (@tramhelen) February 14, 2022

galentines party with my besties 💌💗 pic.twitter.com/ziOMFRJXHO

— adriana (@ammcge) February 12, 2022

galentines cause men are just not it <3 pic.twitter.com/kqxP3ME9HN

— Risma A. (@rizzzypedia) February 14, 2022

drew a heart on my best friend for galentines and she got it tattooed <3 pic.twitter.com/DYRUVj4bIe

— k (@krownnist) February 13, 2022

The best Galentines day gift 😂😂😂 I have great friends pic.twitter.com/hXIQ8xN1cb

— Breyah Jones, M.Ed, M.S., LAT, ATC (@BigB_TheeAT) February 13, 2022

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Explained: What Galentine's Day is and seven ways to get on-board (2024)

FAQs

What is the concept of Galentine's day? ›

The celebration of Galentine's Day serves as an opportunity for females to express love for ladies in their lives. The day cherishes the power of female friendship. It also offers a chance to acknowledge the support of gal pals, mother, sister, and many other ladies who act as a constant support system.

What are the rules of Galentine's? ›

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.

What are some fun facts about Galentines day? ›

Fun Fact: Galentine's Day was created by Leslie Knope, the Parks and Recreation fictional main character. She invented the holiday as a tribute to her close girlfriends.

What is the secret Cupid for Galentines day? ›

Secret Valentine or Secret Cupid is just like Secret Santa. You and your friends write down your names and throw all the papers into a hat, a basket, a pan, whatever. Then each of you draws a name and gets a gift for that person. It's important that no one knows who drew who.

Who invented Galentine's day? ›

How did Galentine's Day start? Believe it or not, we actually have Amy Poehler to thank for this day of celebration. Well, kinda. Her fictional character, Leslie Knope, from the comedy show Parks and Recreation, coined the term during the second season of the show in 2010.

Who is the creator of Galentine's day? ›

It's the best day of the year. Galentine's Day, the celebration of friendship one day before Valentine's Day, is observed each year on Feb. 13. In the eternal words of "Parks and Recreation" star Leslie Knope, the character who invented the holiday: "February 14, Valentine's Day, is about celebrating romance.

What do you wear on Galentines day? ›

There's obviously no strict dress code for Galentine's Day— it's all about however dressed up or casual your friends want it to be. So whether you're looking for the best pair of sweatpants, or a fun sparkly-skirt outfit, we have some ideas for you.

What do you bring to Galentine's day? ›

You can thank us later!
  • Stanley Tumbler.
  • Hydro Flask 40-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle.
  • Vitamasques Lip Sheet Mask.
  • Essie Nail Polish Valentine's Day Collection.
  • Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Jelly Cleanser.
  • Rare Beauty Positive Light Luminizer.
  • Galentine's Day Gift Box.
  • I Dew Care Let's Get Sheet Faced Sheet Mask Set.
Feb 13, 2024

Why is Galentines important? ›

Galentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates female friendship and the bonds that women share. It's a day to gather with your gal pals, celebrate your friendship, and spread love and positivity.

What is happy Palentines? ›

Palentine's Day is a global holiday celebrating friendships and every other form of platonic love. It is celebrated annually on February 13, but can be observed on February 14 as well, and complements Valentine's Day, which celebrates romantic love.

What is the origin of Galentine's day? ›

As the name would suggest, Galentine's Day is a celebration of female friendship. The term was popularised following the release of a 2010 episode of US sitcom Parks and Recreation. Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, explains its meaning while throwing an annual Galentine's Day bash for her friends.

What is the bro version of Galentine? ›

What Is Malentine's Day? Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship. It is a happy, celebratory day, the male equivalent of Galentine's day.

Why is everyone saying Galentine? ›

It's one of those things that has just embedded itself in popular culture, and it actually goes back to the Feb. 11, 2010, episode of "Parks and Rec" where Leslie Nope, Amy Poehler's character, is introducing Galentine's Day. It's this wonderful day where, you know, women celebrate women.

Is Cupid a girl or a boy? ›

For the Romans, the character of Cupid was always a cherubic little boy who followed his mother's wishes to make people fall in love.

Why is everyone calling it Galentines day? ›

It's one of those things that has just embedded itself in popular culture, and it actually goes back to the Feb. 11, 2010, episode of "Parks and Rec" where Leslie Nope, Amy Poehler's character, is introducing Galentine's Day. It's this wonderful day where, you know, women celebrate women. They go out to brunch.

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