Across the cosmos of popular culture, only a few sagas resonate as deeply as Star Wars. What began as a groundbreaking cinematic adventure has expanded into a vast universe embraced by generations. Though the force is strong all year around, one day stands out above the rest—May the 4th. More than just a playful pun, this unofficial holiday has evolved into a day of vibrant celebration of the entire Star Wars phenomenon.
Origin of the day
Derived from the Star Wars catchphrase "May the Force be with you" (May the Fourth be with you), this date has become a true holiday for fans. While not an official Lucasfilm initiative, the widespread adoption of May the 4th as a day of Star Wars celebration speaks volumes about the passion of its global fanbase.
Official celebrations
Since acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney, the custodian of the Star Wars universe, marked the day with several noteworthy events. A highlight was the 20th-anniversary screening of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith at Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre, featuring surprise appearances by Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Christensen said, "I see a lot of lightsabers out here, I see a lot of red lightsabers, which truth be told is my personal favourite lightsaber colour.” He then expressed gratitude for the enduring fan support, while Jackson humorously suggested that Mace Windu could still be alive, teasing a potential return.
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Disney+ unveiled a new trailer and poster for the upcoming series The Acolyte, set to premiere on June 4, 2025. The series delves into a dark mystery involving a Jedi Master and a former Padawan, enriching the Star Wars narrative.
Fan-led festivities
Beyond official celebrations, Star Wars Day caught on in popular culture around the globe with passion and imagination. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the city hosted several Star Wars-themed events, ranging from movie marathons and cosplay competitions to parades and trivia nights. Some of the popular events included a ‘Death Star Drag Show’ at Cinch Saloon and a Star Wars-themed beer stroll in San Jose's Japantown, with proceeds going to local charities.
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Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, held from April 18 to 20, saw more than 105,000 fans meet at the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre outside Tokyo to celebrate. The event featured key announcements, such as the new film Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling, and the animated series Maul: Shadow Lord. Panels discussed subjects like the cultural impact of Star Wars and the legacy of Industrial Light & Magic. The fans cosplayed Ahsoka and Darth Maul and engaged in different activities to commemorate the rich history of the franchise.
Star Wars Day 2025 celebrates the timeless legacy of the franchise, bringing generations and borders of fans together in a common celebration of creativity and community.
