Why is Star Wars Day celebrated on May the 4th?

Apnews - May 3rd, 2025
Open on Apnews

May 4th, known as Star Wars Day, has become an informal holiday celebrated by fans with the catchy phrase, 'May the 4th be with you.' Originating as a fan-created nod to the iconic 'Star Wars' catchphrase, this day now sees extensive participation from businesses and even national leaders, such as former President Joe Biden. Celebrations involve a variety of activities, from themed merchandise launches and special screenings by Disney, to unique events like Major League Baseball games featuring 'Star Wars' characters. The day has expanded into a worldwide phenomenon, with fans indulging in everything from themed cookies to concerts showcasing the saga's famous scores.

The evolution of May 4th into a commercialized celebration has sparked mixed feelings among fans. While some embrace the expanded festivities as a testament to the franchise's cultural impact, others like Chris Taylor, senior editor at Mashable, lament the commercialization of what was once an inside joke. Nonetheless, the day continues to grow in popularity, with towns like New Hope, Pennsylvania, fully embracing the theme with town-wide celebrations. This evolution highlights 'Star Wars'' lasting impact on pop culture and its ability to unite fans globally through shared enthusiasm and creativity.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Star Wars Day, capturing both its origins and current celebrations. It strikes a balance between highlighting fan enthusiasm and addressing concerns about commercialization. The narrative is clear and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, the article would benefit from greater transparency and more robust sourcing, particularly for claims about new series and film releases. Overall, it effectively informs readers about a culturally significant event while encouraging reflection on its broader implications.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate depiction of Star Wars Day, capturing its fan-driven origins and subsequent commercialization. The claim that the phrase 'May the 4th be with you' first appeared in a 1979 UK political ad is accurate, though there is evidence of earlier informal use. The story accurately notes that May 4th is not an official holiday but is widely recognized, including by political figures like Joe Biden, though this specific instance isn't corroborated by the sources. Some claims, such as the release of a new Disney+ series and a film starring Ryan Gosling, lack immediate verification, suggesting a need for further confirmation from Disney's announcements.

8
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by highlighting both the enthusiastic celebration of Star Wars Day and the criticism regarding its commercialization. It presents perspectives from fans, businesses, and critics, such as Chris Taylor, who expresses concern over the day becoming overly commercialized. This inclusion of diverse viewpoints ensures that the reader understands both the cultural significance and the commercial aspects of the event.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the history, evolution, and current celebrations of Star Wars Day. The language is accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The use of quotes from key figures adds to the clarity by providing firsthand insights into the event's significance.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as Steve Sansweet, a well-known figure in the Star Wars community, and Chris Taylor, an author on the subject. However, it lacks direct citations or links to primary sources or official statements from Disney or Lucasfilm, which would enhance the reliability of specific claims, particularly those regarding new series and film releases.

5
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose its sources or the basis for some of its claims, such as the upcoming Disney+ series and film starring Ryan Gosling. While it provides a narrative on how May the 4th became popular, it lacks transparency in attributing specific information to verifiable sources. This affects the reader's ability to fully trust the reported details.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Day
  2. https://www.starwars.com/news/may-the-4th-be-with-you-cultural-history
  3. https://abc7.com/may-the-4th-star-wars-day-2023-be-with-you-4/11800238/
  4. https://nsabers.com/blogs/news/where-did-may-the-fourth-be-with-you-come-from
  5. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/star-wars-day-may-fourth-be-you