Celebrate the women who always have your back.
In a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope, the main character, invented Galentine’s Day. A holiday to honor female friendship. The festive day takes place on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Knope decided to celebrate the day with a boozy brunch and her girlfriends.
“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,” says Knope.
Since the episode aired, the “holiday” has become more popular. Online bloggers have used the day to show the value of friendship with their followers. The celebrations differ from one another. But they all have a common theme: gratitude and love shared with their closest friends.
Rachel (ademurelife) is a blogger. She celebrates the day with fellow bloggers by spending “quality” time and sharing uplifting messages. They also get their makeup and hair done, take photos with one another and enjoy food.
Everyone has a reason to celebrate the day.
“To set a good example that we don’t need a man to make us happy! That woman should see their value and worth outside of their significant other,” says Rachel.
Rachel still celebrates Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend. But Galentine’s Day is another day for her to “do something you love with the people you love”.
Paige McPhee, a producer for ET Canada and blogger, also celebrates the special day. Seeing her friends is a challenge due to her busy lifestyle. She uses the event to connect with her peers.
Her friend, Sara Wells, created an event to meet with other bloggers, while also raising money for charity. All proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society. The ticket to the event includes brunch, photo and networking opportunities, and a goody bag.
“I love celebrating the day with my blogger friends because it’s a nice opportunity to connect in real life, create a bunch of new content and meet new people too,” says McPhee.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your friends however you want. There are no rules. The festivities are catered to what you love doing as a group. But, most importantly, celebrate the friendship and love you have with one another.