Here’s why May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars Day throughout the galaxy
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Sure — here’s a cleaner, sharper rewrite of the piece:
It didn’t start a long time ago or in a galaxy far, far away, but every May 4, images, memes, and promotional deals tied to Star Wars seem to have an irresistible pull.
May 4 — or “May the 4th,” as fans say — has grown into Star Wars Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the iconic sci-fi saga and its sprawling universe.
What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars Day sprang from a clever play on one of the franchise’s most famous lines: “May the Force be with you.” The fan-created twist — “May the 4th be with you” — has become a rallying cry each year.
Though not an official holiday, it’s so widely recognized that even President Joe Biden acknowledged it last year when Star Wars actor Mark Hamill visited the White House a day before.
“I think it’s a clever way for fans to show their love for Star Wars once a year,” said Steve Sansweet, founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, a California museum housing the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection.
How did it start?
Fans began using “May the 4th be with you” after the release of the original 1977 film. The phrase even surfaced in a 1979 British political ad celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s election victory on May 4.
Some diehards argue the true Star Wars Day is May 25, the anniversary of the first film’s release. In fact, Los Angeles officially recognized May 25 as Star Wars Day in 2007. But in 2019, the California Legislature gave May 4 its own nod.
How has it spread?
“May the 4th” took off organically through fan jokes, social media posts, and Star Wars movie marathons. Eventually, businesses caught on — brands from Nissan to Jameson Whiskey have rolled out themed ads and promotions.
Disney, which bought Lucasfilm in 2012, fully embraced the day, using it to spotlight new merchandise, screenings, and events.
Not every fan is thrilled about how mainstream the once-niche joke has become. Chris Taylor, senior editor at Mashable and author of How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, calls himself a “May the 4th grinch,” frustrated by its commercialization.
“I love a good dad joke as much as anyone, but you can take it too far,” Taylor said.
How is it celebrated this year?
This year’s festivities are big and small. Disney+ is launching the new series Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld on May 4, alongside the ongoing second season of Andor. Disney also announced a new standalone Star Wars film starring Ryan Gosling, set for 2027.
Disney will release new merchandise ranging from lightsaber replicas to themed jewelry.
Major League Baseball teams are joining in too. The San Francisco Giants, for example, are offering special tickets that include a Logan Webb bobblehead styled as “Obi-Webb Kenobi.”
Across the country, it’s hard to miss the celebrations — from bakeries offering Star Wars-themed cookies to concerts featuring the franchise’s legendary scores.
In New Hope, Pennsylvania — a town that shares its name with the subtitle of the first Star Wars film — the entire community is joining in. Costumed characters will roam the streets, and local restaurants will serve themed dishes like the “YodaRita.”
“I used to joke and wish people ‘May the 4th,’” said Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. “Now I’ve definitely leveled up my Star Wars fandom.”
Would you like it in a more casual, social-media-friendly style too?