Valentine’s Day, occurring annually on February 14, is eagerly anticipated by lovers worldwide. However, there's growing recognition for celebrating the bonds of friendship, which led to the emergence of Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day falls on February 13, the day preceding Valentine’s Day, and it serves as an occasion to celebrate female camaraderie, countering the focus on romantic relationships typically associated with Valentine’s Day.
The concept of Galentine’s Day is believed to have originated from the NBC comedy series, Parks and Recreation.
Read more: Last minute gift ideas for Valentine's Day 2024
Read more: Shania Twain announces summer gig at Dublin's Malahide Castle
The genesis of Galentine’s Day can be traced back to episode 16 of the second season of ‘Parks and Recreation,’ appropriately named Galentine’s Day. In this episode, protagonist Amy Poehler, portraying Leslie Knope, organises a brunch for her friends, complete with thoughtful gifts, in celebration of female friendship. The day is described as a time for "ladies celebrate ladies," hence the name Galentine’s Day, derived from a blend of "gal" and "Valentine’s Day."
The celebration gained widespread popularity, even prompting mention in the show's fourth season, where Leslie Knope advocates for it to be recognised as a national celebration.
Galentine’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special bonds shared with close friends in a variety of meaningful and enjoyable ways. Here are some suggestions for making this Galentine’s Day truly memorable:
Host a Chilled-Out Get-Together: Gather your closest friends for a relaxed and cosy get-together at home. Deck out your living space with fairy lights, blankets, and cushions for an inviting atmosphere. Prepare a selection of delicious snacks, pour some wine or brew some tea, and settle in for an evening of heartfelt conversations and laughter.
Pamper Yourselves with a Spa Day: Treat yourselves to a day of pampering and relaxation at a local spa or create your own spa experience at home. Indulge in facials, massages, and manicures while catching up on each other’s lives. Don’t forget to set the mood with soothing music and aromatic candles for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Plan a Fun Outing: Organise a fun outing or activity that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park, a visit to a museum or art gallery, or trying out a new fitness class together, spending quality time outdoors or engaging in a shared interest can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.
Have a DIY Craft Night: Get creative with a DIY craft night where you can unleash your artistic talents and make personalised gifts or decorations. Set up a crafting station with supplies such as paints, markers, glitter, and glue, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re making customised photo frames, friendship bracelets, or handmade cards, the process of creating together is bound to be both enjoyable and rewarding.
Organise a Potluck Dinner: Host a potluck dinner where each friend brings a dish to share, creating a delicious feast of homemade favourites. Set the table with vibrant tableware and decorations, and encourage everyone to contribute their culinary creations. Sharing a meal together fosters a sense of community and allows you to enjoy good food and good company in a warm and welcoming environment.
Plan a Movie Marathon: Curl up on the couch with your favourite snacks and beverages for a Galentine’s Day movie marathon. Choose a selection of feel-good films or classic chick flicks that celebrate friendship and love, and enjoy a cosy evening of cinematic entertainment. Don’t forget to vote on your top picks and prepare some popcorn for the ultimate movie night experience.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Galentine’s Day, the most important thing is to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to you. Whether you’re enjoying a low-key gathering at home or embarking on an exciting adventure together, cherish the opportunity to honour and appreciate the wonderful friendships in your life.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
