Valentine’s Day is almost upon us again – lovely news for some but a tedious and pointless Hallmark day for others. In 2026, is it time to forget about February 14th altogether and focus instead on its hipper, less pressurised and more women-focused sister, Galentine’s?
The name of the event, held on February 13th, was coined by Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler), the main character of sitcom Parks and Recreation in a 2010 episode of the show, as a way to celebrate the platonic love she had for the important women in her life.
“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 [a music festival], minus the angst. Plus frittatas,” said Knope of her fictional holiday at the time.
The thing is, Galentine’s Day didn’t stay fictional – soon after the episode aired, brands and shops jumped on the trend, while
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