How did May the 4th become Star Wars Day? What to know about origins of galaxy-wide celebration
May 4th has become a day of celebration for Star Wars fans around the world. But how did it all start?
The origins of Star Wars Day can be traced back to 1979, just two years after the release of the first Star Wars movie, “A New Hope.” On May 4th of that year, the Conservative Party in the UK congratulated Margaret Thatcher on her election victory by publishing a full-page advertisement in the London Evening News that read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.”
The phrase “May the Fourth Be With You” caught on among Star Wars fans, and in 2011, the first official Star Wars Day was organized by the Toronto Underground Cinema in Canada. The event included a Star Wars movie marathon, trivia contests, and a costume contest.
Since then, May 4th has become a global celebration of all things Star Wars, with fans dressing up as their favorite characters, hosting movie marathons, and attending conventions and events. The day has also been embraced by the official Star Wars franchise, with special events and promotions taking place across the world.
This year’s Star Wars Day marks the 44th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars movie. Fans can expect a range of activities and promotions from the franchise, including the release of new merchandise and the airing of Star Wars-themed television shows and movies.
May the 4th be with you!