Embraced by creator and director George Lucas as an unofficial annual celebration, May 4 is popularly known as Star Wars Day around the world. It’s often observed with events, costume parties, cooking Star Wars recipes (yes it’s a thing!) and movie marathons while others take part in light sabre duels and competitions.
On this day, fans often greet each other with the phrase “May the fourth be with you”, in reference to the Star Wars catchphrase “May the force be with you”.
Though Star Wars Day may not be a national holiday, fans around the world consider it an intergalactic one. Here are four things you should know about this year’s May 4:
The beginning
While fans have marked the day for many years, the first ever organised celebration of Star Wars Day took place on May 4, 2011, at the Toronto Underground Cinema. The festivities included a Trilogy Trivia Game Show, a costume contest with celebrity judges and screenings of the web’s best tribute films on the big screen.
A Star Wars run in Singapore
Fans in the island country are marking this year’s day with a night run, with new elements including Star Wars-themed activities, foods and outdoor screening of films. Participants for the run will have to pick either side whether the Light side (Rebellion) or follow the footsteps of Darth Vader on the Dark side. Both routes feature engagement zones, light projections and the movie’s theme music.
Star Wars at sea
This year, Disney is organising a Star Wars Day for the family at sea with a special seven night Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. The cruise will be complete with jedis, droids, stormtroopers and other characters. The celebration includes a deck party starring the heroes which will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the characters. There will also be a Jedi Training Academy which will help the young padawans face off against Darth Vader.
The cruise costs $3,500 (Dh12,854)
The Rec Room — Toronto
The Rec Room Toronto will celebrate the big day with video arcades and VR experience and is open to fans of all ages. The event includes photo sessions with the 501st Canadian Legion, (an official Star Wars fan group of Lucas films), costume contest for adults, trivia game show with a lot of prizes to be given away and an after party for those above the age of 19.
Comic craze in Dubai
Comicave at the Dubai Outlet Mall is marking the day with a special model kit line-up of Star Wars ships and discounts on merchandise. Not related to Star Wars day, but the next day, the store will also mark Free Comic Book Day and will host comic artists, writers, animators and cosplayers. Kids will have the chance to have free colouring sessions, discounted printed materials and trade paperbacks, photo-ops with cosplayers and of course, free comics.
— David Thomas is an intern at Gulf News.
