Galentine’s Day, held each year on February 13, is a day dedicated to celebrating friendships among women. Initially popularized by Leslie Knope, a character from the popular TV sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation,’ set in fictional Pawnee, Indiana, this day has now become a cultural phenomenon. According to Leslie Knope, “Galentine’s Day is the best day of the year.”

Observing Galentine’s Day can entail numerous forms of celebration, from a delectable dessert crawl, karaoke crawl, to interactive video game marathons, there is something for every group of friends. The belief underlying these festivities is, as Liz Lemon from 30 Rock suggests, Valentine’s Day may be a commercialized event, but Galentine’s Day is about genuine appreciation and affection among friends.

However, it’s equally essential to remember the words of Rachel DeAlto, a New York-based dating and relationship expert, that “Loving yourself is the single most important element of having a healthy relationship.” This reminder reinforces the importance of self-love, especially on a day designed to celebrate relationships of all types.

On the other hand, some have felt that this day intended for feminist celebration has become alienating over time. Nonetheless, the essence of Galentine’s Day remains about showing love and gratitude to the important women in one’s life.

To observe Galentine’s Day next year or relive some of its highlights, ‘Parks and Recreation’ is available for viewing across multiple platforms. This will also rekindle memories from the episode aired on Feb. 11, 2010, forever marking the significant place of Galentine’s Day in popular culture.