May 4th is Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day is an unofficial holiday in May honoring the space opera franchise Star Wars created by George Lucas

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise's films series, books and culture. The date was chosen as "May the 4th" due to its sounding similar to the series' phrase "May the Force be with you" in which fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you". The reference was first used on May 4, 1979 when Margaret Thatcher's political party placed an advertisement in The London Evening News following her taking office as Prime Minister that stated "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations." This reading of the line has also been recorded in the UK Parliament's Hansard.

In 2011, the first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema. Produced by Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, festivities included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show; a costume contest with celebrity judges; and the web's best tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes on the big screen. The second annual edition took place on Friday, May 4, 2012.

Fans (even government officials) have celebrated Star Wars in a variety of ways in social media and on television.

Since 2013, Disney Parks have celebrated the holiday with several Star Wars events and festivities. The Walt Disney Company had purchased Lucasfilm including the rights to Star Wars in late 2012.