Happy ‘Galentine’s Day’! A Complete History Of Leslie Knope’s Favorite Holiday

Valentine’s Day, the booming multi-million dollar industry, is right around the corner. Unfortunately for many, this time of year creates pre-Valentine’s Day stress. We live in a modern era where Valentine’s Day seems to be equated with romantic love—a day to shower your significant other with flowers and chocolates. Galentine’s Day, an unofficial holiday celebrated on February 13, offers an single-safe alternative for ladies who are not in romantic partnerships.

The fake holiday originated in the TV sitcom, Parks and Recreation. The show’s protagonist, Leslie Knope, explains this made-up holiday in season 2, episode 16: “Every February 13th, 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, minues the angst. Plus frittatas.”

After the episode’s release, fans of the show brought this fictional holiday to life. Celebrations across the nation often involved get togethers with the ladies, gift exchanges, and of course, frittatas.

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In the ten years that have passed since the episode’s release, the holiday has grown to have its own commercial success as an informal counterpart of Valentine’s Day. Retailers and brands across the nation offer sales and shopping deals on female-friendly products in support of the fake holiday. Social media networks are flooded with gifs and memes shared by women during the day. Even hashtag #Galentinesday is trending on Twitter.

At the end of the day, there is no wrong way to celebrate Galentine’s. It is a time to shower friends with admiration, whether or not money is spent. The holiday simply exists to celebrate platonic love and the importance of women supporting women.

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