TAMPA, Fla. — Seeing lots of people say “May the 4th be with you”? Wondering who this Grogu guy is?

From a lifelong Star Wars fan, the answers you seek are right here, young Padawans.

What You Need To Know

  • May 4th has become the day that Star Wars fans around the world have come to recognize as Star Wars Day

  • It’s, of course, a play on the classic Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you”

  • The first Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977

May 4th has become the day that Star Wars fans around the world have come to recognize as Star Wars Day.

It’s, of course, a play on the classic Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you.”

"The Force" in Star Wars is what gives the Jedi their powers.

“It’s an energy field created by all living things,” as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi explained to Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars film, “A New Hope.” 

That’s also the first time we heard, “May the Force be with you,” when the first Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977.

Despite that being the actual anniversary of Star Wars, the play on words with May 4th has made this the day to celebrate.

According to the official Star Wars website, it was first referenced on May 4th, 1979, when a newspaper in the UK used the headline, “May the 4th Be With You, Maggie!” for the new prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.

But #MayThe4thBeWithYou has really taken off in recent years, thanks to fans sharing their love of Star Wars on social media. And there’s more Star Wars content than ever before, since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012. (Disney could fill the Death Star with everything they are producing.)

In fact, Disney now uses May 4 to release promotional materials or new content for its streaming service, Disney+. This year, they released season 2 of "Star Wars: Visions" which is a series of stories in anime.

How to celebrate Star Wars Day, you ask? Master Yoda might ask it that way. Perhaps a movie marathon, making a Star Wars recipe, dressing up, or getting into a heated debate about what order to watch the movies in. (My recommendation: Release order is best!)

Some local businesses are getting in on the fun. Mastry’s Brewing Co in St. Pete Beach will be hosting a Star Wars themed trivia on May 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Troubled Waters Brewing in Safety Harbor is also hosting a Star Wars themed trivia on May 4, which will start at 7 p.m.

In Central Florida, you can visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a full day of Star Wars experiences. Outside of the theme park, Marketplace at Avalon Park will be hosting a May the 4th event with a galactic themed night market on May 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 30+ local vendors, artists, cosplays and light/dark side restaurant specials will be featured throughout town.

It’s a big galaxy after all, so that decision is yours on how to celebrate.

May the 4th be with you.