Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday on 13 February, dedicated to celebrating friendship—especially among women—rather than romantic love.

What is Galentine’s Day?

  • It’s often described as the “friendship version” of Valentine’s Day, focused on platonic love, support, and appreciation between friends.
  • The term comes from the TV show Parks and Recreation , where the character Leslie Knope created it as “the best day of the year,” and it then caught on in real life.
  • While it started as a celebration of women’s friendships, many people now use it more broadly for all close friends, regardless of gender.

When is it celebrated?

  • Galentine’s Day is celebrated every year on 13 February, the day before Valentine’s Day.
  • In recent years (including 2025–2026), it has become a regular date for themed events, brunches, and get-togethers in many places, from homes to bars and studios.

What does Galentine’s Day represent?

  • The core idea is to honor friendships that bring joy, mutual respect, emotional support, and encouragement into your life.
  • It also pushes back a bit against the pressure to focus only on romantic relationships in February, reminding people that friendships and self-care matter just as much.
  • It’s not “just for singles”: people in relationships also celebrate it alongside or in addition to Valentine’s Day.

How do people celebrate it?

Common ways people mark Galentine’s Day include:

  • Brunch with friends (often with waffles, mimosas, or other treats).
  • Small gifts or handwritten notes to say “thank you” to friends.
  • Themed parties with pink or “girly” decor, matching pajamas, crafts, or activities like bracelet-making or flower arranging.
  • At-home nights in with movies, music playlists everyone contributes to, or low-key self‑care sessions together.

A simple example: a group of friends meet on 13 February for a “besties brunch,” swap cards listing things they appreciate about each other, and spend a few hours just eating, talking, and relaxing—that’s very typical Galentine’s Day.

Why is it trending now?

  • Over the past decade, social media (especially TikTok and Instagram) has amplified Galentine’s Day, with hashtags like #Galentines showcasing party ideas, outfits, and decor.
  • It fits broader 2020s trends around celebrating platonic love, mental health, and community, not just dating.
  • Brands and venues now run specific Galentine-themed events and promotions each February, which keeps it visible and growing each year.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.