The original Star Wars trilogy by George Lucas, which was released in the 70s and 80s, marked the beginning of a whole direction of cinema. Space battles, a chivalrous romance on a galactic scale and special effects unprecedented in those years. The creation of an American genius has given rise to a separate culture and an uncountable army of admirers. Therefore, it is not surprising that fans began to celebrate Star Wars Day. He is also welcomed in Our Country. We tell the history and traditions of the holiday for 2023.
When is Star Wars Day 2023?
The holiday has no official status and is not approved in any documents. It is celebrated exclusively by fans of the space epic. In Our Country, as well as around the world, Star Wars Day 2023 is scheduled for 4 May. The date does not change annually, although some fans celebrate the holiday on a different day. We will talk about this in more detail below.
Why is Star Wars Day celebrated on May 4th?
Those who carefully watched all the pictures of the saga know that there are no earthly dates in Star Wars. It can be assumed that May 4 is associated with the date of the premiere or the start of filming of one of the parts. However, this option is false. So why is it customary to celebrate Star Wars Day in Our Country and around the world at the beginning of the third month of spring?
All because of a pun replicated by fans. The same phrase “May the force be with you!” sounds in English:
May the force be with you!
May in English can be translated as an expression of intention (“can I …”) or as an archaic particle “yes”: may God bless you! “God bless you!” It is also the month of May.
Force in English – “strength”. Strength, in the meaning of power, and in the meaning of an armed formation. At the same time, there is a consonant numeral fourth – “fourth”. Fans have changed the phrase:
May the fourth be with you! “May the fourth of May be with you.”
It is noteworthy that the meme took hold after the release of the first (4-6 episodes) and the second trilogies (1-3 episodes). On May 4, 2011, the first Star Wars festival was held in Toronto, Canada, tied precisely to the date that appeared. And two years later, Disney – it now owns the rights to the space franchise – officially recognized May 4th.
Although American fans have another Star Wars Day on May 25th. The date is tied to the release of the very first episode of the MCU, A New Hope, in 1977. But May 4th became more canonical among fans.
Holiday traditions
In Europe and the Americas, Star Wars Day is always a big festival, themed days in parks, conferences of authors and fans of the series. They also do movie screenings. In Our Country, everything is more modest.
The main organizer of thematic festivals in our country is the STARFANS movement. They hold their events in Moscow at different venues.
Star Wars Day in Our Country is supported by various catering establishments (offering a special menu and holding parties), TV channels (showing old and new parts), as well as users of social networks.
By the way
What entertainment is close to the fans of “Star Wars”
- Cosplay. This is the production of costumes and paraphernalia for the characters of the film franchise. Jedi swords, stormtrooper suits, Darth Vader helmet. The most daring dress up as Master Yoda and shaggy Wookiee giants.
- Saberfighting. These are lightsaber fights. It is clear that the laser in them is not real, although technology has already reached this point. Saberfighting can be both “combat”, in the sense that the goal is to inflict an injection on the enemy both in fencing and staged. The second is even more common. Fans act out spectacular fights with acrobatics and swings of glowing fake swords.
- Quests. Of course based on the mythical universe. Tasks for logic and ingenuity in a closed location or throughout the city. Conducted by fan organizations.
- Board games. The most famous and iconic X-Wing Miniatures Game, Star Wars Armada and Imperial Assault. They hold tournaments in Our Country.