What Is Galentine's Day? Here's How theParks and RecreationHoliday Came to Be (and Fun Ways to Celebrate It with Your Favorite Ladies!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in Galentine’s Day" in ‘Park and Recreation.'.Photo:Danny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Danny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Galentine’s Day, the day of “uteruses before duderuses” and “ovaries before brovaries,” originated on NBC’s popular sitcomParks and Recreation.

Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, first introduced viewers to Galentine’s Day — a holiday she created — during a season 2 episode aired in 2010. The annual celebration, which takes place on Feb. 13, recognizes and honors female friendships ahead of Valentine’s Day.

As Leslie put it, Galentine’s Day is a time to “kick it” with gal pals — whether that’s over mimosas at brunch or espresso martinis at happy hour.

What is Galentine’s Day?

Retta as Donna Meagle, Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate, Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in ‘Parks and Recreation’ episode about “Galentine’s Day.".Colleen Hayes/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday that takes place on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. The annual tradition encourages women to spend time with their female friends.

Contrary to criticismthat Galentine’s Day patronizes single women, the festivity is meant to be about empowerment and uplifting one another.

Who invented Galentine’s Day?

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in Galentine’s Day” in ‘Park and Recreation.'.Danny Feld/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

In the episode, Knope explains that the holiday is about “ladies celebrating ladies” and arranges for her female friends to “kick it breakfast style” at a local restaurant.

She also presents her gal pals with gifts — a bouquet of hand-crocheted flower pens, a mosaic portrait made from crushed bottles of their favorite diet soda and a personalized 5,000-word essay about why they’re awesome.

How is Galentine’s Day celebrated?

Alison Becker as Shauna Malwae-Tweep and Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope in Galentine’s Day" in ‘Park and Recreation.'.anny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty

anny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty

There’s no wrong way to honor Galentine’s Day. It can be as simple as dinner and drinks after work, or a casualmovie nightat home.

Meanwhile, some enjoy hosting themed-parties — think matching pajamas, heart-shaped décor and a catered meal.

Not up for hosting? Many restaurants and bars have Galentine’s Day-themed events each year.

How do celebrities celebrate Galentine’s Day?

Chrissy Teigen celebrates “Galentine’s Day” with friends in 2023.Chrissy Teigen/ Instagram

Chrissy Teigen/ Instagram

Numerous celebrities have adopted Galentine’s Day as an annual holiday.

In 2020,Kylie Jennerthrew animpressive lunchfor her close friends. As a fun on-theme activity, the group was given canvases and paint to create their own works of art.

Two years later,Lizzocelebrated the day in lilac velvet lingerie as she hosted a “piercing party” for her team. Meanwhile,Chrissy Teigengathered her besties towatchMagic Mike’s Last Danceand eat spaghetti in 2023.

Most recently,Selena GomezandJennifer Anistoncame together with their beauty brands — Rare Beauty and LolaVie — to co-host aGalentine’s Day celebrationin Los Angeles.

source: people.com