What is Galentine's Day and how to celebrate it with your friends

Valentine’s Day is very nearly upon us, and while that definitely deserves its own moment in the spotlight, let’s not forget an equally—if not more— important holiday; Galentine’s Day!

While Galentine’s 2022 might not be on any of your official calendars, there’s no denying that the celebration has become prominent over the last few years, and seems to get more popular each year.

Stop thinking about your Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him and her for a moment and leave your Valentine’s date ideas for later on.

Because right now, we’re going to celebrate the importance of female friendships – our Galentines.

When’s Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day falls the day before Valentine’s Day, on February 13. It's often viewed by some as the way cooler version of Valentine's as it's focused on the true loves of your life—your besties!

It’s a day to celebrate the love you have for your female friends, whether they’re single or not, and shower them with love and attention.

And it’s also a day to celebrate yourself. Why not treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted?

Where did Galentine’s Day come from?

Galentine’s Day has become so prominent that many companies do run sales events and promotions for it now, but it actually all started with a sitcom.

In 2010, during the second season of Emmy winning show Parks and Recreation, there was an episode titled “Galentine’s Day,” in which the main character, big hearted Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) gathers a group of her closest friends together for a brunch full of waffles, mimosas and love.

In the episode, she says, “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.”

Galentine’s Day quotes and captions

“A good friend knows all your best stories. A best friend has lived them with you.”

“I don’t know what I would have done so many times in my life if I hadn’t had my girlfriends,” Reese Witherspoon.

“My best friends are like fairy tales. They’ve been there since once upon a time, and will be there until forever after.”

“We made a deal ages ago. Men, babies, it doesn't matter. We're soulmates.” Samantha Jones, Sex and the City

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

“Empowered women, empower women.”

“It’s the friends you can call up at 4am that matter.” Marlene Dietrich

“One friend in a storm is worth more than a thousand friends in sunshine.” Matshona Dhliwayo

"Some people go to priests; others to poetry; I to my friends." Virginia Woolf

“Men, they come and go. They always will. Hopefully, they stay. But, it’s the girl that’s sitting next to you, or the girl that’s sitting across from you, that’s going to get you through everything.” Goldie Hawn