I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard of Valentine’s Day—the special holiday in February that focuses on <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/falling-in-love-as-an-au-pair">celebrating love</a> in all its forms. You know … it’s the one filled with love notes, flowers, baby cupids, and chocolates.
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But let me ask you this: Have you heard of GALENTINE’S DAY? No, you say?! Well allow me to introduce you to this wonderful holiday dedicated exclusively to <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/lifelong-friends">female friendships</a>. It’s become an American tradition, and an awesome way to show your girlfriends just how much you adore them. Let’s get started …
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<h3>What is Galentine’s Day?</h3>
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Galentine’s Day takes place on February 13th—the day before <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/travel-and-culture/best-american-movies-for-valentines-day">Valentine’s Day</a>—and it’s a day reserved for celebrations of friendly love between gal pals! The origin of the holiday can be traced back to 2010, within a popular <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/travel-and-culture/5-best-american-tv-shows-to-watch">American TV sitcom</a> called Parks and Recreation. The show’s main character—an ambitious and effervescent woman named Leslie Knope—decides that she wants an opportunity to celebrate her friendships with other woman, so she throws a fabulous party for her and her girlfriends.
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As Leslie explained it: “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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Who could ask for anything more?
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In the show, the tradition between Leslie and her friends is a huge success and becomes an annual tradition. It’s even referenced throughout the show multiple times! But what’s even cooler is that, in the last decade, the concept of Galentine’s Day has totally transcended the television screen and become a mainstay in everyday <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/learning-about-american-life">culture in the USA</a>.
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<h3>Who celebrates Galentine’s Day?</h3>
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All women can and should celebrate Galentine’s Day! It’s a welcome opportunity to show your friends a little extra love. And if you’re part of a program like <a href="https://www.culturalcare.co.za/">Cultural Care Au Pair</a> which has predominantly female au pairs (we see you, <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/video-tag-au-pair-life-6">bro pairs</a>!)—then it’s a must-do!
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The trend has caught on in the last 10 years with companies and restaurants all across the nation, too. Popular businesses like Sprinkles Cupcakes, Target and Lyft have promoted the unofficial holiday throughout the years and sold Galentine’s Day themed products.
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The concept has grown in popularity year-after-year, with #GalentinesDay often trending on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. It’s been a full decade since the creation of Galentine’s Day and it’s STILL going strong!
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That, my friends, is the <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/stronger-together">power of female friendship</a>.
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<h3>How do I celebrate Galentine’s Day?</h3>
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Glad you asked! You can celebrate by honoring <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/sisters-for-a-lifetime">your female friendships</a>, and the special place your lady friends have in your heart. Whether you go out to a big brunch with your friends like Leslie Knope did, or keep it low-key with a chill night at home or a lengthy phone call with an old friend—any way you celebrate is a great one.
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For au pairs living in the USA, <a href="https://blog.culturalcare.co.za/stories/every-au-pair-has-a-buddy">making friends</a> with ladies from around the world is a huge part of the experience! With the majority of au pairs that come to the USA being women, chances are good that you know at least one or two ladies that you met abroad.
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Be sure this Galentine’s Day to show them how much you value their friendship. Tell them you care about them, hit the town and do something fun, and talk about all the wonderful reasons that female friendships are the best.
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Happy Galentine’s Day!

Learn about the history of Galentine’s Day, why it’s so popular in the USA, and how you can celebrate with your lady friends this February 13th.  

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