What is Galentine’s Day?

• Galentine's Day is typically a celebration of female friendship

• The annual event falls on 13 February, the day before Valentine's Day

• It doesn't matter whether you're single or in a romantic relationship, you can still take part

• Read the full article to find out more about the special day, including the sitcom it originated from

If you're sick of only hearing about Valentine's Day, we have good news – Galentine's Day is here.

Whether you've had plans pencilled in for weeks, or have found the perfect opportunity to make some last-minute, it offers the ultimate celebration of female friendship (not that we need just the one day for that!).

So, here's all you need to know about the annual event...

When is Galentine's Day?

Every year, Galentine's Day falls the day before Valentine's Day – this year it's on Tuesday 13 February.

What is Galentine's Day?

Galentine's Day can be celebrated however you want, but typically it's a traditional date for the 'gals' to spend some quality time together and mark their (platonic) love for each other.

Not about romance or serious commitment (though friendship is arguably the biggest form of commitment), it offers some respite for those who just want to have some fun and pay homage to their besties, whether that's singles or those also in relationships.

You might want to get together and enjoy a fancy meal out, cook and make cocktails together at home, pamper yourselves, take a trip to the pub or simply slump in front of the TV (with a takeaway of course). You might choose to give gifts and presents, or find the joy of being together is enough.

Read more: Carol Vorderman wows in £31 jumper in all-red look that's perfect for Valentine's Day

While some are reluctant to feel they have to show appreciation of their friends on one designated day, others can't get enough of it, including celebrities.

Brie Larson, for example, tweeted "Happy Galentine’s Day to my besties" with a series of images of her and her pals, while the account for The Jennifer Hudson Show tweeted "We’re celebrating Galentine’s day with these lovely ladies! Andie MacDowell, @Tinashe, and @samyracambriel all join us today!" with shots of the women embracing.

Read more: Best last minute Valentine's Day gifts: 20 affordable buys from Amazon

Where does Galentine's Day come from?

The day was actually coined in the US sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010, in season two, episode 16 – 'Galentine's Day'.

"What’s Galentine’s Day? It’s only the best day of the year," Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, explains after a scene where she hands her friends specialised gifts (including an essay on why they're all so awesome) at breakfast.

"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."

If you've missed the chance to 'kick it breakfast style', there's still time to kick it dinner style...

Watch: Inspiration for your Galentine's Night