Women Celebrate Galentine's Over Valentine's Day

Galentine's Day gatherings offer an alternative to traditional romantic celebrations.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Galentine's Day, a celebration of female friendships around Valentine's Day, has become a popular alternative for some women who want to honor their platonic relationships. The tradition started with a 2010 episode of the TV show "Parks and Recreation" and has since grown, with women hosting parties, taking classes, and spending quality time together on or around February 13th. For some, Galentine's Day fills a void for those without a romantic partner on Valentine's Day, while others simply enjoy the chance to focus on their cherished friendships.

Why it matters

Galentine's Day provides an opportunity for women to celebrate their platonic bonds and create new connections, often in a more relaxed and empowering environment compared to the pressure and expectations surrounding traditional Valentine's Day celebrations focused on romantic relationships.

The details

Women have found various ways to celebrate Galentine's Day, including hosting parties with hired bartenders and DJs, taking classes to learn new skills together, and simply spending quality time without distractions like phones. Some use the day to fill a void for those without a romantic partner on Valentine's Day, while others appreciate the chance to focus on the relationships they want to nurture, rather than feeling beholden to societal expectations.

  • Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day.
  • The tradition started with a 2010 episode of the TV show "Parks and Recreation".

The players

Christie O'Sullivan

A social media strategist from Trinity, Florida, who has celebrated Galentine's Day with a girlfriend before getting married.

Chela Pappaccioli

A resident of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, who has been hosting a Galentine's Day party at her home for the last three years.

Liz Momblanco

A "serial hobbyist" from Berkley, Michigan, who invites her friends to take classes like cookie and cake decorating, calligraphy, and stained glass for Galentine's Day.

Marney Wolf

The owner of the retreat company Luna Wolf, which offers Galentine's-themed retreats near Valentine's Day.

Amy Poehler

The actress who played the character Leslie Knope, who celebrated Galentine's Day in a 2010 episode of the TV show "Parks and Recreation".

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What they’re saying

“For me, it was 10 out of 10. That whole day was intentional.”

— Christie O'Sullivan

“It's an escape to just be with your girls, be silly, do something fun and just focus on the friendships you've created and enjoying each other's company.”

— Chela Pappaccioli

“I know it can be a really lonely time for people and I think some take it for granted.”

— Marney Wolf, Owner, Luna Wolf retreat company

“What's Galentine's Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year.”

— Amy Poehler ("Parks and Recreation")

The takeaway

Galentine's Day provides an empowering alternative for women to celebrate their friendships and create new connections, often in a more relaxed and intentional way compared to the pressure and expectations surrounding traditional Valentine's Day celebrations focused on romantic relationships.