Why women are increasingly turning to Galentine’s Day on February 13 instead of Valentine’s Day
Forget roses and a box of chocolates on February 14 — women are increasingly marking their calendar a day early and calling up a friend to celebrate instead.
“Galentine’s Day” was popularised by US sitcom Parks & Recreations but it has become sufficiently popular that a growing number of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth venues now host Galentine’s Day events, from bottomless brunches to five-course dinners.
Galentine-themed merchandise — bunting, cards and pencils engraved with messages like “Hoes before Bros” — are for sale on Amazon and Etsy.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The theory behind Galentine’s Day is just what might be expected from the name: a day to celebrate not your romantic partner but your platonic female friendships.
Cynics may view it as another marketing opportunity to part women from their hard-earned cash.
Fans see it as a chance to celebrate friendships and potentially ease the negative connotations of a day that can make the unwillingly single all too aware of that status.
The website Nationalholiday.com describes it like this: “The holiday that (Parks and Recreation character Leslie) Knope invented bears striking similarities to her character — over-the-top generosity and impassioned sincerity.
“Galentine’s Day is to Valentine’s Day what Friendsgiving is to Thanksgiving: a chance to recognise the impact that our friends have on our lives and thank them for their steadfast loyalty, love, and laughter.”
The day is technically celebrated on February 13, but enthusiasts say the date is less important than the sentiment.
Cocktails and champagne are a common theme for Galentine’s Day events.
Melbourne’s Left Bank promises to celebrate “your girl squad” with cocktails and canapes, while Untied Sydney is doing cheap pink cocktails all week.
Brewmanity Rooftop Bar, in Melbourne, plans to combine Pilates and bottomless drinks on its rooftop bar.
At Perth’s Catalano Family Kitchen, owner Kirsty Catalano said they decided to celebrate Galentine’s Day for the first time this year with a three-course bottomless lunch after family members suggested it.
“And it kept popping up on my social media,” she said
“Girls want to be girls and sometimes they want to hang out with their friends. Not everyone has a partner.”
