Every year on May 4th, a day filled with images, memes, and deals centered around “Star Wars” takes hold of the public imagination. This date, playfully referred to by fans as May the 4th, has grown into an unofficial holiday called Star Wars Day.
Star Wars Day emerged as a clever homage to the popular film phrase, “May the force be with you.” With a simple twist, fans wish each other, “May the 4th be with you.” Though not officially recognized, the day has gained such prominence that even former President Joe Biden acknowledged it last year, and this year, the Trump administration has joined in with a Star Wars-themed meme.
Steve Sansweet, founder and executive chairman of Rancho Obi-Wan—a California museum boasting the largest collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia—believes it’s a delightful way for fans to express their love for the space saga annually.
Tracing back its roots, the phrase “May the 4th be with you” was popularized by fans following the original film’s 1977 release and notably appeared in a British political ad in 1979 celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s ascendancy to prime minister on May 4th that year. While some devotees prefer to celebrate on May 25th, which marks the film’s release date, May 4th has been broadly adopted as Star Wars Day, especially after the California Legislature’s designation in 2019.
Initially, the day caught on through fan-driven inside jokes and movie marathons but eventually garnered broader participation. Companies like Nissan and Jameson Whiskey have incorporated the theme into their advertising strategies. After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the media giant embraced May 4th to further promote their franchise with exclusive merchandise and special events.
Despite its widespread appeal, not all fans are thrilled with how the phenomenon has grown. Chris Taylor, a Mashable senior editor and author of “How Star Wars Conquered the Universe,” dubs himself a “May the 4th grinch,” citing concerns over its commercialization. “I love a good dad joke as much as anyone, but my God, you can take it too far,” he quipped.
In Germany, devotion takes on a creative flair with a Protestant congregation in western Germany celebrating with a Star Wars-themed service. Costumes and decor transformed their church in Bensberg to align with the intergalactic theme.
This year’s celebrations are widespread. Disney+ introduces the series “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” coinciding with the ongoing second season of “Andor.” Additionally, Disney announced plans for a new standalone “Star Wars” film starring Ryan Gosling slated for release in 2027 and introduced “Star Wars” merchandise, from lightsaber sets to thematic jewelry.
Major League Baseball teams have incorporated Star Wars festivities into their schedules. A notable example is the San Francisco Giants, who offered special tickets for a recent game, complete with a collectible bobblehead of pitcher Logan Webb as “Obi-Webb Kenobi.”
It’s challenging to find a location untouched by May the 4th festivities, with bakeries serving Star Wars-inspired cookies and concerts featuring the iconic film scores. New Hope, Pennsylvania—a town that shares its name with the subtitle of the first “Star Wars” film—sees a town-wide celebration with costumes and themed food like the “YodaRita.” Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, jokes about rising to new heights of Star Wars nerdiness thanks to the festivity.
The White House also enters the fray, posting an AI-crafted image of a robust Donald Trump in a Jedi robe wielding a lightsaber, accompanied by a cheeky, Star Wars-infused message on social media. The playful dig was sent toward political adversaries, showcasing how this special day has uniquely woven itself into American culture and political discourse.