May 4th is celebrated as “Star Wars Day” worldwide, with fans indulging in various activities and participating in multiple events. The day marks an unofficial holiday inspired by a pun on the Jedi phrase “May the Force be with you.” The phrase “May the Fourth be with you” initially appeared in a Conservative Party advertisement in London’s Evening Standard on May 4, 1979, which congratulated Margaret Thatcher on taking office as prime minister. Star Wars fans and communities used this phrase social media, and it effectively became a holiday in its own right, growing in popularity over time.
The day has become a platform for various events and festivities organized by the Walt Disney Company, who purchased Lucasfilm in 2012. This year, Disney is releasing two Star Wars spin-offs on its streaming platform, Disney+, which will undoubtedly please Star Wars fans worldwide. Moreover, fans will enjoy deals, DIY projects, and Star Wars-themed food items, among other things. This year some fans celebrate “Revenge of the Fifth” or “Revenge of the Sixth” on May 5th or 6th, as a Sith-based holiday.
Various brands have released Star Wars-themed products and merchandise to celebrate the occasion. The Mandalorian-themed Lego sets, including the 675-piece set Mandalorian Helmet, the 412-piece Grogu-themed kit, and a 625-piece TIE Bomber building kit, are absolute standouts. Moreover, Funko’s Darth Vader and R2-D2 figurines, Star Wars-themed Otterbox Symmetry cases, and bespoke Casetify’s phone cases have gained a lot of traction, among others.
Amazon has also offered a variety of deals on Star Wars merchandise ranging from movies and video games to cosplays and collectibles. Amazon Prime members who buy a $50 Amazon eGift card will receive a $5 free Amazon credit. E-shoppers can also claim a $10 Amazon credit when purchasing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor for PS5 or Xbox Series X. For those interested in cosplay, Black Series Lightsabers are also on sale, with some having a discount of up to 35%.
May the Fourth is more than just buying merchandise or flying themed kites; it’s a day of global celebration. Indianapolis, for example, offers a range of activities to mark the occasion, including games, trivia contests, and Star Wars-themed food. The Keep Indianapolis Beautiful institute is hosting a tree planting event at Ellenberger Park, while Tappers Arcade Bar is offering Sabacc and Beat Saber games, raffle tickets with prizes, and other Star Wars-themed fun. Fans can also indulge in special Star Wars treats and themed drinks at local cafes like Founders Grounds Coffee Company or Condado Tacos.
Moreover, Disney+ and Disney Junior are also introducing a new animated series called “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,” set 200 years before the Skywalker era. Each of the 25 episodes features a vocal cast of Jamaal Avery Jr., Juliet Donenfeld, Dee Bradley Baker, Emma Berman, Jonathan Lipow, and Piotr Michael, and is executive produced by Lucasfilm. The show, aimed at younger audiences, aims to introduce storytelling values to a younger demographic.
May the Fourth be with you! This day gives Star Wars fans around the globe an opportunity to come together and appreciate the franchise’s uniqueness. With companies like Disney trying to provide various offerings like new shows and merchandise, it’s amazing how the movies have grown from being a simple space adventure film into a global phenomenon that has sparked renewed interest in the franchise.
