As we continue our common Star Wars questions series, today we answer the question, why is May 4th Star Wars Day? We hope you enjoy this informative series here from Star Wars Fans and may the force be with you!
For Star Wars fans around the world, May 4th is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to celebrate one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history. Dubbed Star Wars Day, this unofficial holiday pays tribute to George Lucas’s legendary sci-fi saga, which has captured the imaginations of millions since the release of A New Hope in 1977. But why is May 4th the chosen date for this special celebration?
The origins of Star Wars Day stem from the now-famous pun: “May the Fourth be with you,” a play on the classic phrase from the films, “May the Force be with you.” This clever twist on words has led to widespread recognition of the day as a time for fans to come together and express their love for the Star Wars universe. While it started as a fan-driven event, it has since been embraced by Lucasfilm and Disney, making it an official celebration of all things Star Wars.
Interestingly, the first known usage of “May the Fourth be with you” in a public setting dates back to May 4, 1979, when the phrase appeared in a newspaper advertisement congratulating Margaret Thatcher on becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The ad read: “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.” Though it wasn’t meant to start a tradition, fans eventually adopted the phrase and used it as a way to honor the beloved Star Wars franchise.
As the popularity of Star Wars Day grew, events and festivities began taking place worldwide. Fans celebrate in a variety of ways, from movie marathons and cosplay gatherings to trivia contests and themed parties. Social media also plays a huge role with today’s Star Wars fans, with hashtags like #StarWarsDay and #MayThe4thBeWithYou trending every year. Even major brands and companies get involved, releasing special merchandise and promotions to mark the occasion.
Beyond the fandom, Star Wars Day has also been recognized by official institutions. In recent years, Disney—now the owner of Lucasfilm—has fully embraced the holiday, offering exclusive content, deals, and events at Disneyland and Disney World. TV channels often schedule special Star Wars programming, and some cities even host parades or public screenings of the films. The day has become a cultural phenomenon that unites fans across generations.
Another aspect of May 4th’s significance is how it honors the lasting legacy of Star Wars. The franchise’s impact on pop culture, storytelling, and filmmaking is undeniable, and this day serves as a reminder of the saga’s influence. Star Wars introduced groundbreaking special effects, deep lore, and compelling characters that continue to resonate with audiences decades later.
Furthermore, the following day—May 5th—has also become part of the Star Wars celebration, known as Revenge of the Fifth (a reference to Revenge of the Sith). While May 4th is typically a lighthearted celebration of the heroes and themes of Star Wars, May 5th allows fans to embrace the darker side of the saga, focusing on Sith Lords and villains like Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Emperor Palpatine.
Ultimately, May 4th has grown beyond a simple pun into a beloved annual tradition for Star Wars enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, this day serves as a perfect occasion to celebrate the magic, adventure, and enduring legacy of Star Wars. May the Fourth be with you!