Galentine's Day (observance)

Galentine's Day is a global holiday that celebrates women's friendship. Galentine's Day is typically marked as February 13, but can be observed any day. Galentine's Day events are typically all-female occasions of mutual "empowerment...a reminder for women to support and uplift one another."

The concept and name of this annual festival of sisterhood was imagined into existence by the Parks and Recreation writing staff led by Michael Schur. The sitcom's main character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) is the originator of the holiday. Jumping from fiction to real life, the occasion is well known enough that Galentine's Day merchandise is now sold at mainstream outlets like Walmart, Party City, Amazon and Etsy. Retailers also use the holiday as a pretext for organizing pop-up shops marketing products to female customers. Many resorts and restaurants offer Galentine's themed package deals.

An advice column in The Sunday Telegraph described the protocol of Galentine's Day: "Just remember that Galentine's Day was born out of rebel spirit, intended as a rebuff to the conventions of Valentine's Day. It's about doing exactly what you want to do, and feeling thankful for having friends that let you do it.'"

Michelle Obama posted a photo on her Instagram and Twitter celebrating Galentine's Day in 2020. The caption read, This #GalentinesDay, I want to shout out my girlfriends who help me stay sane and grounded through all of life's ups and downs...Whether we're catching up over the phone, venting over a cup of coffee, or laughing it out during an 80s-themed workout, I know I can lean on these ladies—and that's made all the difference. The official Parks & Recreation Twitter account replied with a GIF of Leslie Knope expressing approval.