What is Galentine’s Day? This is how the day of friendship started and why it’s celebrated

Will you be celebrating Galentine's Day? (Photo: Shutterstock)Will you be celebrating Galentine's Day? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Will you be celebrating Galentine's Day? (Photo: Shutterstock)

Valentine’s Day is largely considered the most romantic day of the year, but for many it is a day to be dreaded.

While others are showered with flowers, chocolates and thoughtful gifts, those who aren’t in a relationship can often be left feeling like they’re missing out.

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But if February 14 isn’t for you, there’s another day of celebration you can get involved with, in the form of Galentine’s Day.

What is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating your closest female friends.

The occasion falls on 13 February every year and it is intended to encourage women to get together with their best girlfriends to celebrate the friendship they share - regardless of whether they are single or not.

Centred around friendship, rather than romance, Galentine’s is a great excuse to shower your nearest and dearest with plenty of love and affection.

How did Galentine’s Day start?

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The now-annual celebration came about thanks to popular US sitcom, Parks and Recreation.

It gained popularity following the broadcast of an episode in 2010, in which lead character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) first introduced the female alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations.

While throwing her female friends an annual Galentine’s Day breakfast brunch, Knope explains in the episode: “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.”

The day is dedicated to celebrating your closest female friends (Photo: Shutterstock)

How is Galentine’s Day celebrated?

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Since Parks and Recreation helped launch the day, it has now become an annual celebration for many women.

As the occasion has become more widely known over the year, an array of themed events have popped up in its honour across the UK, as more women get on board.

There is no set way to celebrate on February 13, but women could take inspiration from Leslie Knope and throw their best girlfriends a cosy celebration at home by hosting a waffle brunch.

But staying at home isn’t the only option, as there are various events around the UK to get involved with.

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Cocktail bar, All Bar One, is hosting a special Galentine’s event at its locations across the country, where visitors can enjoy a 2-4-1 offer on its Pink Grapefruit Collins cocktails until 16 February.

To claim the offer, you simply need to book a table and download the app to receive a voucher.

Alternatively, you could head to the cinema to enjoy a classic chick flick with your pals.

Left Bank Leeds is hosting a screening of hit comedy Mean Girls on 13 February, from 7pm, with attendees offered a themed cocktail with their ticket (£11), and all money will go towards the Left Bank Leeds Charitable Trust.

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Elsewhere, Everyman Cinemas are showing screenings of the 1991 classic Thelma and Louise at a number of its venues, including Harrogate, Horsham and York, while the Grand Clapham in London is screening Bridesmaids for £5 per ticket.

Other ideas include having a go at cocktail making, trying your hand at arts and crafts, pottery painting, relaxing with a spa day, or unwinding with a yoga class.

However you choose to mark the occasion, the idea is to have a great time with those friends closest to you, and to show them just how much they mean to you.

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