SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Galentine’s day is unofficially celebrated on February 13th, ahead of Valentine’s Day, ideally a day spent with sisters, mothers and best girl-friends alike.
This year, Michiana residents embraced the untraditional holiday and headed out to celebrate companionship in a different way. Instead of gifts and dinners — locals are finding ways to celebrate friendship through experiences.
One Galentine’s day activity that brought a crowd was Chained Melody in Elkhart, offering BOGO 40% off for permanent jewelry for the occasion. The jewelry is a constant reminder of these Galentine’s love for each other.
“You can look at it all the time,” said Nombuso Shawa, who got matching permanent bracelets with her sister. “You can be reminded literally for the rest of your life.”
Another untraditional experience getting underway before Valentine’s Day was Make South Bends sushi making class.
Pupils showed up with friends and family and learned how to create their own sushi rolls, even rolling them into hearts to celebrate the occasion.
While Valentine’s Day takes the spotlight, locals like Marla Schroeder are excited to take today as a “Girl’s Day”.
“She didn’t like me at first,” said Schroeder, about to get a permanent bracelet alongside her best friend of over five years. “We balance each other out so well, that’s why we’re besties!”