With a picnic blanket laid on the sand of Torrey Pines beach and surrounded by their favorite people, Rashika Raguwanshi (11) and Morayo Ogunsaju (11) celebrated their 4th annual “Galentine’s Day,” a version of Valentine’s Day that expresses an appreciation for friendship with their group of 5 friends.
“Galentine’s Day has brought us closer by giving us a special time to celebrate our friendship,” Raghuwanshi said. “It lets us appreciate each other, have fun, and make great memories together, whether it’s through deep conversations, exciting activities, or just laughing over inside jokes. We have been celebrating Galentine’s for four years with the same group and we have such special bonds.”
Over the years, Raghuwanshi, Ogunsaju, and their friends have maintained specific traditions for Galentine’s. They often have sleepover parties and do “Secret Santa” gift exchanges.
“Every year, we watch a rom-com and make dinner together at someone’s house or gather at an aesthetic venue like the beach,” Raghuwanshi said. “The best gift that I ever received from our gift exchanges was a stuffed bear, because my friend couldn’t afford a jellycat and it was really cute because even though she didn’t really have the money, she still put thought in and managed to get me something. I love it.”
Their most recent celebration took place at their usual venue at Torrey Pines. Throughout their 4 years of friendship, the beach has become a special place for them.
“This year, we celebrated by going to the beach, our usual tradition,” Raghuwanshi said. “We had a little picnic and one of our friends [Sydney Piedrahita (11)] brought cute glasses and everything was pink. One of our other friends brought a super cute picnic blanket and basket that was filled with snacks and stuff, and it was adorable.”
Raghuwanshi and Ogunsaju said Valentine’s Day is a time to show appreciation for all the people who mean the most.
“People put so much pressure to have a significant other, and when Valentine’s Day comes around, many people end up feeling lonely,” Raghuwanshi said. “Instead of that lonely feeling, my friends and I realize that we can come together and celebrate our love for each other.”
Ogunsaju said that the memories made through their Galentine’s Day celebrations are invaluable, especially their 2024 celebration.
“One year, when we celebrated at home, our friend went all out with the decoration, there was pink and hearts everywhere,” Ogunsaju said. “And we had the cutest little heart-shaped champagne flutes. That was the year we all got together and made heart-shaped pizzas for the first time. They weren’t perfect, but they were ours, and that’s what’s important.”
Because of their busy schedules, Ogunsaju said that it is often difficult for them to find a time for their whole group to get together, and Galentine’s Day gives them an excuse to make definitive plans. She said that starting this annual tradition with her best friends has been one of the best decisions they’ve made.
“I would recommend that people start their own Galentine’s Day traditions [with their friends] because it’s a great reminder of the love we have for each other,” Ogunsaji said. “I feel like nowadays, people don’t have a lot of time to hang out with each other. So having holidays like this, it’s a set thing and becomes tradition. It’s really fun, it’s really cute, it’s really pink and perfect with the right people.”
While Valentine’s Day centers around romantic relationships, Raghuwanshi said that her friendships are essential to celebrate too.“What I appreciate most about my friends is their constant support and loyalty,” Raghuwanshi said. “No matter what I do, they’ll always have my back and they’ll be there when I really need them. I love how they turn even the most boring moments into a fun and memorable occasion. Galentine’s is special because men come and go, but friends are forever. That’s pretty special to me.”
