Galentine's Day: Celebrating Friendship in Dubai
Galentine's Day: Celebrating Friendship and Sisterhood in Dubai
February 14th, Valentine's Day, traditionally celebrates romantic love with roses, candlelight, and heartfelt gestures. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend to celebrate a different kind of love: the love and gratitude for friendships. This trend, known as Galentine's Day, focuses not only on romance but also on the power of female friendships and the importance of community. More and more people in Dubai are celebrating this special day, held on February 13th, just before Valentine's Day.
What is Galentine's Day?
The concept of Galentine's Day became popular in 2010 when an episode of the television series Parks and Recreation featured Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) inviting her female friends to brunch on February 13th to celebrate their friendship and love. Since then, this idea has spread globally, and February 13th has become a day to honor female strength, friendship, and connections.
Celebrating Friendship in Dubai
In Dubai, a city known for its rich blend of cultures and traditions, Galentine's Day is becoming increasingly popular. For women, it's the perfect opportunity to pause the everyday hustle and take time for the friendships that bring joy and support to their lives.
The First Galentine's Party
A Syrian woman living in Dubai is hosting a Galentine's Day celebration for the first time this year. "I wanted to thank the wonderful women who have always been by my side," she said. "I could always count on them, and I thought this was a wonderful way to celebrate our friendship and love for each other."
She plans for the party to have a warm and friendly atmosphere, with lots of good food, fun, and shared memories. "I'm excited to create new traditions—perhaps a toast to our friendship, handwritten thank-you notes, or a game where we share our favorite memories," she added.
The Light of Friendships
For a local resident, Galentine's Day is an opportunity to take a break from life's hustle and bustle and celebrate the friendships that brighten her days. "I wanted to celebrate the wonderful friendships in my life and dedicate a special day to those who bring joy, laughter, and support," she said. "Life moves so fast, and this is a perfect excuse to slow down and create memories with my closest friends."
She emphasized that people are increasingly recognizing that love is not just about romance but also about deep connections with friends. Social media has also contributed to the spread of Galentine's Day, making it a favorite holiday for many.
This year, she decided to make her party even more memorable. "I'm starting by choosing a theme that reflects the mood I want—it could be a pajama party or an elegant dinner. Then I plan fun activities like games, a photo booth, or a 'gratitude circle' where we share what we love about each other." She highlighted that food is essential, including pink snacks, red desserts, and sparkling drinks on the menu.
Themed Galentine's Party
A Palestinian-Canadian woman living in Dubai is celebrating Galentine's Day for the second year, loving to combine her love for themed parties with celebrating friendships. "It keeps us close and gives us something to look forward to," she said.
Inspired by TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, she adds a unique personal touch to her parties each year. "At our gatherings, we dress in pajamas, do our hair and makeup, apply nail polish, and create heart-shaped pizzas while decorating the pizza boxes," she explained.
The Essence of Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day is not just a celebration but also a reminder of the importance of friendships in our lives. For women, it is an opportunity to pause, recognize each other's support, and create joyful moments together. In Dubai, where cultures and traditions converge, Galentine's Day is becoming increasingly popular as a celebration of not just love, but friendship as well.
