Galentine's Day

Taking place on the eve of Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day celebrates female friendship, and more broadly, women and their worth, as well as feminism. A gender-inclusive version of the day, Palentine's Day, sprang from it and celebrates all platonic friendships. Instead of focusing on significant others, women celebrate other women in their life with Galentine's Day, while those who celebrate Palentine's Day celebrate all the important people in their life. Galentine's Day and Palentine's Day are often celebrated by those who are single, although those who are in relationships may also celebrate the days. Galentine's Day is often celebrated by those who are against the commercialism of Valentine's Day, although it has become quite commercial itself, with items being pushed online and in brick-and-mortar stores during the lead-up to the day.

Galentine's Day came from a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, in which Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, invents the day in order to celebrate female friendship. The celebration is marked with a long, sometimes alcohol-filled brunch. According to Knope, "Every February 13, my lady friends 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." The day spread beyond its fictional confines on television, permeating culture to become a popular holiday among women.

How to Observe Galentine's Day

The best way to celebrate the day may be to gather together all your gal pals and have a party with champagne and waffles, just like on Parks and Recreation. Keep your eyes peeled for parties being held at establishments in your community. For example, in past years parties have been held at breweries. Although some forgo the commerciality of the day, you could use it to buy your friends gifts. You could give them a card, cupcakes or cookies with friend-themed messages, or even the book Be My Galentine. Above all, make sure to spend some time with some of your best friends. Perhaps you could have a game night, go bowling, order pizza, play video games, watch a movie, or watch Parks and Recreation, particularly the "Galentine's Day" episode.

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