May the Fourth be with you: Photos show how ‘Star Wars’ fans are celebrating the iconic films this year


Star Wars fans, this day is for you. May 4 is upon us, but to fans of the space franchise, it’s more commonly referred to as “May the Fourth” — a play on the iconic Star Wars phrase “May the Force be with you.”

For those unfamiliar with the term — and eager to connect with their space-loving pals — the Force is a mystical energy field that binds together the galaxy in the Disney-created universe. It grants Jedi (the good guys) and Sith (the ancient enemies of the Jedi) powers like mind control, telekinesis and enhanced agility and strength. (Those iconic lightsabers? Yeah, they’re wielded exclusively by Force-sensitive individuals.)

But for Star Wars fans, the real Force may be the power of fandom, which unites thousands of people on May 4 in celebration of the beloved George Lucas-created franchise. On May the Fourth, fans across the globe don impressive costumes and Star Wars merch in order to celebrate their passion for this ever-expanding universe, which currently includes Disney+ TV shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka.

While there are plenty of characters in this galaxy far, far away for Star Wars fans to choose from for costume inspiration, some of the most recognizable ones Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones in the original trilogy), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill — who recently dropped by the White House to visit “Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi”) and, of course, Princess Leia-turned-General Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher). Of course, there’s also the ever-cuddly Chewbacca for those who don’t mind a more full-bodied costume.

Check out photos from Star Wars Day below.

Fans in their Star Wars gear at Yankee Stadium. (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

A woman helps her daughter into a Chewbacca costume in Milan.

A woman helps her daughter into a Chewbacca costume in Milan on May 4. (Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)

Costumed fans celebrating Star Wars Day ride an escalator in Manila.

Costumed fans celebrating Star Wars Day ride an escalator in Manila on May 4. (Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)

A Star Wars fan in Manila holds a fake gun and a costumed baby.

A Star Wars fan in Manila holds a fake gun and a costumed baby. (Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)

Star Wars fans take part in a parade in Manila.

Star Wars fans take part in a parade in Manila. (Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)

A rabbit wears a Yoda costume in Manila.

A rabbit wears a Yoda costume in Manila. (Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)

Six people dressed as Star Wars characters brandish lightsabers in Milan.

People dressed as Star Wars characters brandish lightsabers in Milan. (Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)

Darth Vader and stormtrooper impersonators pose for photos in Sheffield, England, on May 4.

Darth Vader and stormtrooper impersonators pose for photos in Sheffield, England, on May 4. (Rich Linley/CameraSport via Getty Images)

A man takes a selfie with Star Wars fans in Bangkok on May 4.

A man takes a selfie with Star Wars fans in Bangkok on May 4. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)

Fans in Darth Vader and stormtrooper costumes pose in Bangkok.

Fans in Darth Vader and stormtrooper costumes in Bangkok. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)

Stormtrooper-costumed fans march through Bangkok on May 4.

Stormtrooper-costumed fans march through Bangkok on May 4. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)

A Star Wars child fan wearing a Darth Vader costume in Manila on May 4.

A young Star Wars fan wears a Darth Vader costume as he celebrates May the Fourth in Manila. (Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)



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