It’s Wednesday, Feb. 13. So, Happy Galentine’s Day!
For those who might not be familiar with the unofficial holiday, the concept is pretty simple: Celebrating female friendships the day before the world becomes clogged with lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day.
The gal-pal day has gained steam in recent years, thanks to a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation.” In the episode, Amy Poehler’s exuberant character, Leslie Knope, arranges a breakfast outing with her friends and mom, showering those gathered with hand-knit presents and 5,000-word essays on what makes them special.
“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year,” Knope says to the camera. “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 — minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
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The episode proved popular enough for the show to reprise the celebration in subsequent seasons.
“February 13th, Galentine’s Day, is about celebrating lady friends. It’s wonderful and it should be a national holiday,” Knope said, before whipping out her phone to make her appeal to Congress.
Knope might not have gotten Congress to pass a resolution, but she did cause women nationwide to latch onto the idea. The “holiday” has become so prevalent, even the Associated Press noted that it was coming up earlier this week.
Tomorrow: #GalentinesDay (13 Feb)
— AP Planner (@AP_Planner) February 12, 2019
It’s also quickly gaining notice in Boston, where Galentine’s-themed events are a stone’s throw away from just about everywhere. In fact, a Galentine’s Day-themed event at Lamplighter Brewing Co. in Cambridge — featuring waffles and DIY floral arranging — has nearly 3,000 people “interested” on Facebook.
“Due to the overwhelming interest in this event, we’d just recommend coming early to guarantee a spot,” organizers wrote.
They’re not the only ones holding a Galentine’s-themed event Wednesday night. Celebrations are prevalent throughout Boston: From a $55 cheese-and-wine soiree at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen to a jewelry-making workshop at Somerville’s Remnant Brewing to a themed spin class at Charlestown Cycling Club. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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I know it’s been around since Parks & Rec but it really feels like #GalentinesDay blew up this year & every place is doing some kind of party. pic.twitter.com/V24DQ4JuWG
— Laura Furr (@lfurr) February 13, 2019
Basically, if you and your besties want to revel in each other’s company, tonight’s a great night to do it.
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