May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise's films series, books and culture. The date was chosen as "May the 4th" due to its sounding similar sounding to the series' phrase "May the Force be with you" in which fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you". The reference was first used on May 4, 1979 when Margaret Thatcher's political party placed an advertisement in The London Evening News following her taking office as Prime Minister that stated "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations." This reading of the line has also been recorded in the UK Parliament's Hansard.
In a 2005 interview with George Lucas, German TV news channel N24 asked Lucas to quote the famous phrase, however the interpreter simultaneously interpreted the sentence into German as Am 4. Mai sind wir bei Ihnen ("On May 4 we are with you."). This was captured by TV total and aired on May 18, 2005.
In 2011, the first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema. Produced by Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, festivities included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show; a costume contest with celebrity judges; and the web's best tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes on the big screen. The second annual edition took place on Friday, May 4, 2012.
Honoring the day, the humanoid robot Nao created a unique greeting to all Star Wars fans.
In his 2012 acceptance speech, after winning a second term in office, London mayor Boris Johnson quoted the phrase "and May the Fourth be with you" as his signing off comment.
In 2013, Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrated the holiday with several Star Wars events and festivities.