Galentine’s Day has recently passed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate next year! The new holiday takes place on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, and was created by the popular television show Parks and Recreation. This is a holiday to party with your besties instead of having a date night.

Every year, Galentine’s day becomes increasingly more popular; some ways to celebrate are to throw a slumber party, send your BFFs flowers, go on a mini-shopping spree or have a relaxing spa day.

There are many ways to celebrate, but the key ingredient is spending time with your friends. Friendships are such an important role in society. Friends have a special bond that is very important and irreplaceable.

A friendship–valuing character on Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope explains Galentines day by saying, “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” This holiday started as fiction, but has become a real, well-known event that celebrates the joys of female friendships.

Harvard-Westlake students are also planning to take part in this new and exciting holiday.

“Galentine’s Day sounds super fun and I might try and celebrate next year. All my friends always say how on Valentine’s day they are so lonely, so I think it would be cool to focus on a holiday about friends, instead of relationships,” said Grace Belgrader ’23.

This is also a fun alternative to Valentine’s Day. Instead of having a sad day thinking about not being in a relationship, one can have a fun time with their friends. Galentine’s Day is spreading fast and since last year, many people have started celebrating.

“I saw this holiday on Parks and Recreation, when the main character celebrates it with her friends. I think it’s interesting because if you don’t have a date, you have your girlfriends to hang out with,” said Kara Yoon ’23.

Galentine’s Day is the girl-power alternative to Valentine’s day.