Since 2008, Star Wars fans from all over the world have gathered to celebrate May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, in honor of filmmaker George Lucas and the vast universe of films, books, animated series, toys, and video games that began back in the 1970s. The first official celebration of May 4th took place in 2011, in Toronto, Canada. And with each passing year, new surprises continue to emerge globally, further immortalizing the saga for its massive fanbase.
The phrase “May the 4th” began as a clever play on words from the franchise’s iconic line: “May the Force be with you.” Fans turned it into “May the Fourth be with you,” giving special meaning to the date — May 4th. While this pun doesn’t directly translate into other languages, it hasn’t stopped Brazilian fans from embracing the celebration. Thanks to modern technology, fans can take part in Star Wars Day through both online platforms and in-person events around the world.
Interestingly, the idea for “May the 4th” didn’t originate with Lucasfilm, the company behind Star Wars, nor with Disney, which acquired the rights to the franchise. However, both companies have fully embraced the celebration, with the hashtag #StarWarsDay becoming a major success across social media. A special section on StarWars.com features exclusive content like articles, videos, and images dedicated to the day. Since 2013, Disney has also hosted special activities at its theme parks on May 4th.
It’s a day when fans host movie marathons, post greetings online, dress up as their favorite characters, and dive into the expansive universe of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan, Kylo Ren, and many other unforgettable figures. Brands and partners often offer exclusive deals, giveaways, and organize parties and fan events in celebration of the occasion.
In the United States, the state of California officially recognized Star Wars Day in 2019, following a vote in the state assembly — a clear sign of how impactful and beloved the franchise truly is. In Brazil, several cities also celebrate with themed activities and fan events. On May 4th, 2019, for example, Salvador hosted a big party at Portela Café, Belo Horizonte saw a Galactic Empire invasion at Boulevard Shopping, and Manaus’ ICBEU featured a special Star Wars program — among many other cities across the country.
So if you’re a true Star Wars fan, don’t miss the chance to be part of this special day! Use the hashtag #StarWarsDay and let the whole world know you’re celebrating a galaxy far, far away.
