by Leah Reed Forbes
We often think of friendship as separate from romance, but what if we valued our friends just as much, if not more, than our romantic relationships? Think about it: your bestie's been there through every breakup and climbed every mountain by your side. Turn Valentine’s Day into Galentine’s Day and celebrate the platonic intimacy of friendship with more devotion than Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Here’s how to plan the perfect Galentine’s Day in Joburg.
Breakfast Buffet
We’re starting this day off with mimosas for brunch. Some might argue that bubbles are as much a breakfast food as eggs, and we’d agree. If bubbles aren’t your thing, a freshly squeezed orange juice mixed with a shot of espresso might be surprising enough to tantalise your palate over the breakfast buffet at Modena Italian Eatery in Parkhurst. It’s R190pp for adults and R90pp for kids under 10, every Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Big Pink Energy
We know you and your bestie love an Insta-worthy breakfast spot! If you’re looking for something shrouded in gorgeous pink decor, check out Goddess Cafe. They’ve drenched their space in stunning shades of pink, which is perfect for the Galentine’s romantic friendship vibe you’re going for. Plus, there's a Valentine's weekend special, because fries>guys, always.
Sip and Paint
Ava-Lee Artistry in Fourways is hosting the ultimate Galentine’s sip and paint with a dress code of pink, red and white. It’s beginner-friendly and fully guided, with all art materials supplied. They’re at 42 Witkoppen Cnr Kingfisher, Fourways. Priced at R350pp or R500 for 2, this workshop runs from 5-7 PM and comes with snacks included.
Friendship Bracelets
Make something that defines your friendship for a lifetime at one of the many creative hubs in Joburg. Artwave’s Art Cafe at 44 Stanley lets you order art projects like a restaurant. For R300, you get all the supplies you need to make 2 charm bracelets that you’ll forever keep as a token of your friendship. They also have supplies for custom tote bags and ceramic painting, and events like Wine & Create to check out.
Make it Forever
Take friendship bracelets to the next level with permanent jewellery. Stone Lifestyle in Parkhurst offers permanent jewellery bracelets from R400. Permanent jewellery is a way of reminding each other that no matter what happens, you’ll always be there. Literally. Because you’ll need something heavy-duty if you want to get rid of them, and nothing says forever like “I don’t own a pair of pliers.”
Forever And Ever
Permanent jewellery is one thing, but could we tempt you into matching bestie tattoos? Nothing says “Best Friends Forever” quite like having an ode to them etched permanently into your skin.
Maybe you want something inspired by your favourite shared movie or music, or an inside joke only you two understand. My bestie and I got fans, because… we’re each other’s biggest fans. Make sure it’s something you both love. They’re now accepting walk-ins at Little Hollow Tattoos.
Just a Pinch
Okay, you want something less intense than a tattoo but deeper than a friendship bracelet. The Piercery offers 25% off your bill and your bestie’s bill from Monday to Friday. Girl math dictates that it only makes sense to get new earrings (or nose rings) together. The adrenaline will keep you riding on a high for the rest of the day, and you’ll always remember it as the piercing you got on Valentine’s Day.
Feminine Rage
Ah, femininity. Soft, gentle, nurturing…and full of rage. If seeing couples flaunt their gag-inducing soppy posts makes you want to break something, you and your bestie should probably hit the Rage Room this Valentine’s Day. Located at 51 Sloane Street, Bryanston, a 30-minute session is priced at R600 for 2 and includes a bucket of bottles, windscreens and various electronic items - think TVs, microwaves and CDJs to really take it out on the DJ who broke your heart.
Sundowners
Once you’re freshly pierced, tatted, and bedazzled (and have destroyed something worthy of your last 6 years of trauma), you’re probably going to need a drink and something to snack on. Johannesburg is blessed with a ton of excellent cocktail bars for every budget, so check out our guide to the best cocktail bars in Joburg to end the perfect Galentine’s Day
Romance gets shoved down our throats for the entire month of February, but it’s important to give our energy to the people who show up for us all year round. Celebrating platonic love is a reminder that no matter our relationship status, there’s plenty of love, joy (and rage) to go around.
