Christie Osullivan from Trinity, Florida, has commemorated 21 Valentines Days alongside her husband, yet she regards a particular day before her marriage spent with a close friend as her most memorable. That day was dedicated intentionally to indulging in massages, enjoying cocktails, and dining lavishly together. Reflecting on this experience, Osullivan felt empowered, especially as Valentines Day typically involves societal pressures to be coupled or feelings of loneliness when one is not.
The concept of Galentines Day soared in public awareness following a 2010 episode of the television series "Parks and Recreation." In that episode, the character Leslie Knope, portrayed by Amy Poehler, gathered her female friends on February 13 to celebrate their camaraderie. Knope famously described the event as "the best day of the year," highlighting the importance of female friendships.
While friendship appreciation can take place any day, those who opt for a February 13 celebration often employ creative means to enrich the occasion. Individuals like Chela Pappaccioli of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, have been hosting Galentines Day parties at home for the past three years, featuring hired bartenders, DJs, and inviting dozens of close friends. This years gathering expects 45 guests, with preparations including gift bags; men are generally excluded unless in the role of bartender. Pappaccioli justifies the effort, expressing that the event provides women a chance to embrace joy, creativity, and connection free from external pressures.
Others, such as Liz Momblanco from Berkley, Michigan, a self-described habitual hobbyist, celebrate through shared learning experiences. She invites friends to join classes in cookie and cake decorating, calligraphy, or stained glass crafting. Momblanco values the mutual engagement in new skills and shared memories. Correspondingly, Marney Wolf, founder of a womens retreat company called Luna Wolf, offers retreats featuring activities like floral arrangement, yoga, and cold plunges. Wolf emphasizes that artistic and creative opportunities foster community, often invoking enthusiastic responses reminiscent of childhood encouragement among participants.
Galentines Day events are particularly significant given the emotional context of Valentines Day for some women. Wolf intentionally schedules retreats close to February 14 to support those who may face solitude on this date. The absence of romantic companionship can render Valentines Day a challenging occasion. Pappaccioli notes that her Galentines Day parties attract women who are divorced or in unsatisfactory relationships; for these attendees, the occasion affirms that meaningful celebration can focus on friendships rather than romantic ties.
Such gatherings also enable the formation of new friendships and the strengthening of existing ones. Quality time spent together, away from phones and distractions, facilitates memory creation and genuine connection. Osullivan, who works as a social media strategist, reflects fondly on a phone-free Galentines Day that allowed full presence and intimacy without digital interference, creating enduring personal memories despite lacking tangible documentation.
Galentines Day activities vary widely, ranging from casual coffee meet-ups or card games to group outings such as attending theatrical performances or museums, hiking, or fitness classes. Additional popular choices include thrift shopping, country line dancing, roller skating, karaoke sessions, crafting junk journals, and enjoying manicures and pedicures.