The fictional holiday from “Parks and Recreation” is Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day first appeared in the show’s second-season episode of the same name, which aired in 2010. Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, describes it as a day for women to celebrate their female friends, traditionally with a brunch held on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day.
The name combines “gal,” an informal term for a girl or woman, with “Valentine’s.” Unlike Valentine’s Day, which is commonly associated with romantic relationships, Galentine’s Day focuses on friendship, appreciation, and mutual support among women.
What began as a fictional event quickly moved into real life. Restaurants, retailers, community groups, and friends began organizing Galentine’s gatherings, often featuring brunches, cards, small gifts, or themed parties. The holiday is usually associated with women’s friendships, though real-world celebrations can be inclusive and flexible about who participates.