Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day has become a popular celebration within LGBTQ+ communities, focusing on friendship and chosen family.

Many LGBTQ+ groups hold events like “Friendsgiving-style” dinners or small gatherings with games and movies to celebrate their supportive circles.

Drag shows, karaoke, and dance parties have also become part of the festivities, often featuring LGBTQ+ icons or themed costumes.

This inclusive approach transforms Galentine’s Day into a celebration of all kinds of friendship and support networks, not just those traditionally defined by gender.

Yes, similar holidays exist globally. For example, Finland celebrates “Ystävänpäivä,” or Friendship Day, on February 14.

In Latin America, “Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Day of Love and Friendship) combines friendship and love celebrations. Japan also dedicates a day to friendship called “Tomodachi Day.”

These holidays emphasize friendship over romance, making them similar in spirit to Galentine’s Day.

One common misconception is that Galentine’s Day is only for women.

While the holiday was initially designed by Parks and Recreation as a women-centric celebration, many now celebrate it with friends of any gender. It’s also not solely about brunch.

People now mark the day with a variety of activities, including movie nights, cooking classes, and outdoor adventures.

In Japan, Galentine’s Day gatherings often involve tea ceremonies or traditional cooking classes.

In France, women may gather for “les amies” parties, featuring wine and charcuterie. Some Australian friends organize beach picnics, bringing a relaxed summer vibe.

Each country adapts it to local customs, making it an international friendship day.

Some Parks and Recreation fans try to recreate Leslie Knope’s quirky traditions, like giving personalized, handmade gifts or even waffles (Leslie’s favorite).

Others hold themed parties based on other popular friendship-focused shows, like Friends or Golden Girls. Fans often go all out with decorations and custom playlists to bring their favorite friendships to life.

Brunch foods like waffles, frittatas, and mimosas are popular because of Leslie Knope’s love for them on Parks and Recreation.

However, people are increasingly adding their own cultural favorites. Some may include sushi, tapas, or even an elaborate charcuterie board.

Each friend group adds personal touches to make the meal feel special and unique.

Waffles became the unofficial food of Galentine’s Day thanks to Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, who adores them. In the Galentine’s Day episode, she celebrates with her friends over a waffle brunch.

Since then, waffles have symbolized the holiday. Today, people often make themed waffles with unique toppings like chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream to fit the occasion.

Yes, it has sparked a trend of celebrating “Palentine’s Day” and “Brolentine’s Day” for friendships regardless of gender.

These variations adapt Galentine’s Day’s idea of honoring friendships, but without the original female focus. Friends celebrate with activities like sports games, road trips, or shared meals.

Galentine’s Day offers a fun way to focus on non-romantic relationships, reminding people of the value of friendships.

For many, it’s an empowering holiday because it highlights female friendship and support.

With increasing focus on mental health, celebrating strong friendships has become more popular and is now considered as important as celebrating romantic relationships.

Many friends give “Galentine’s Day Survival Kits” containing self-care items like face masks, chocolates, and candles.

Others create personalized gift boxes with custom mugs, friendship bracelets, or memory scrapbooks. In some cases, friends even exchange services, like offering a night of babysitting or planning a future friend getaway.