Photos and videos of Galentine’s party themes and setups had filled the internet in the weeks leading up to the holiday, with influencers sharing decorations, themed desserts and everything you needed to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year.
Though it may seem like the term “Galentine’s” has been around for as long as the original Valentine’s Day holiday, its origins trace back to the famous American sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” which aired in 2010, according to USA Today. Now celebrated by women worldwide, students at Portola High tapped into their creativity and found inspiration in social media to create their own unique Galentine’s Day traditions.
“We all got together at someone’s house and got a bunch of food, like the heart shaped trays from Chick-fil-A and decorated with balloons and flowers,” sophomore Maxine Madenburg said. “[We] watched a ton of movies and baked heart shaped cookies.”
This year, Galentine’s Day fell right before a long weekend, perfect for students, like junior Alana Tang, to participate in festivities with her lifelong friends. For Tang, plans vary each year, ranging from casual to more formal celebrations.
“We don’t have a tradition,” Tang said. “It’s kind of just like whatever we feel like. But this year we all went to my friend’s house, and we made little clay resin charms to put on your bag or just on your desk.”
Influenced by social media, senior Renee Tan and her friends celebrated Galentine’s Day by going beyond just themed food — they curated the perfect Galentine’s Day party.
“The table and the setup that we had was super aesthetic,” Tan said. “[We had] a lot of heart decorations all over the table. We had heart balloons and things set up on the wall so we could take good pictures.”
While some, like Tang, celebrated with old friends, others view Galentine’s Day as an opportunity to strengthen new friendships. Tan, who transferred to Portola High last year, spent the holiday with the friends she made over the past year.
“[Galentine’s Day] is pretty special because it celebrates love,” Tang said. “I know people usually celebrate with romantic love but there’s a lot of love in friendships too. I’m glad that in the year that I’ve been here, I’ve been able to make so many good friendships.”
While Portola High students celebrated with a variety of people in different ways, one thing is clear — Galentine’s Day is often filled with heart shaped balloons, shades of pink and is guaranteed to bring “gals” closer to one another.
“I think it’s just a great opportunity to spend time with your other loved ones, like your friends,” Tang said. “It brings the group closer together every time you hang out.”
