For some girls on campus, this weekend isn’t about Valentine’s Day on Sunday, it’s about Galentine’s Day, on Saturday. 

“Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the friendship with your female friends,” junior Brynn Soulakis said. “I like how it allows me to show my friends that I care about them, and lets us celebrate Valentine’s Day together since we do not have significant others.”

The unofficial holiday can be celebrated in plenty of ways, but the most essential component is getting together with your friends (or this year, zooming) and spending time together. 

“Personally, my friends and I are pretty affectionate, so I would love to give them hugs to show how much I love them,” Soulakis said. “I also made little gift baskets for my friends and made them all personalized earrings as well. Giving them little gifts and just hanging out is a fun way I think it should be celebrated.”

Galentine’s Day first made an appearance on the TV show Parks and Recreation and has been gaining popularity ever since. For best friends Annika Roberts and Vanessa Jara, female friendships are important to celebrate. 

“Female friendships are important just like any other friendship, they give people a place to talk about their feelings, support each other, and just have fun,” Roberts said. “But I think there’s a kind of solidarity in a female friendship that’s important for women to have.” 

“Female friendships are important, probably more than a romantic one, because your friends give you confidence, inspiration and push you to become a better version of yourself,” Jara said. “It’s these relationships that offer you unconditional support.”

Roberts feels that their friendship has benefitted her as a person. 

“Being friends with Vanessa has helped me by giving me a place to be myself, laugh, cry, complain, and get advice,” Roberts said. “We can listen to each other, talk about experiences we have in common, and give honest opinions.” 

Though only a pop culture holiday, Galentine’s Day has made a positive impact on women by allowing them to celebrate each other without worrying about the romantic expectations of Valentine’s Day.

“It’s important to celebrate and nurture your friendships, and Galentine’s Day gives a good opportunity to do that,” Jara said.