Star Wars Day: What to do on May 4 (and why)

iReport
By CNN Staff
Published 8:47 AM EDT, Fri May 4, 2018
How do you build a "Star Wars" universe? The answer lies close to home. Lucas' galaxy far, far away might appear fantastical, but its carefully designed planets are home to myriad architectural styles sourced from here on Earth. Scroll through to discover the inspiration behind planets unknown, and how "Star Wars," in some cases, has gone on to inspire architecture in the real world.
How do you build a "Star Wars" universe? The answer lies close to home. Lucas' galaxy far, far away might appear fantastical, but its carefully designed planets are home to myriad architectural styles sourced from here on Earth. Scroll through to discover the inspiration behind planets unknown, and how "Star Wars," in some cases, has gone on to inspire architecture in the real world.
Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
The royal palace of Theed, the capital of Naboo, utilizes a combination of Byzantine exteriors and Baroque/Rococo interiors, informed by the naturalistic style of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Theed palace, Naboo —
The royal palace of Theed, the capital of Naboo, utilizes a combination of Byzantine exteriors and Baroque/Rococo interiors, informed by the naturalistic style of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Marin County Civic Center, in California, with its blue domed roofs, partly inspired Naboo. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's brief for the site, his final commission, was that it should complement its parkland environment.
Marin County Civic Center —
Marin County Civic Center, in California, with its blue domed roofs, partly inspired Naboo. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's brief for the site, his final commission, was that it should complement its parkland environment.
Andrew Kearns/Flickr
Fallingwater, another Frank Lloyd Wright project in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, took this aesthetic even further.
Fallingwater —
Fallingwater, another Frank Lloyd Wright project in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, took this aesthetic even further.
Courtesy Jonathan Lin
David Reat described Theed Palace as a "fusion between Marin, the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul." The Hagia Sophia (pictured) was one of the Roman Empire's first Christian cathedrals, after St. John Lateran in Rome, and is among the best known Byzantine structures in the world.
The Hagia Sophia —
David Reat described Theed Palace as a "fusion between Marin, the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul." The Hagia Sophia (pictured) was one of the Roman Empire's first Christian cathedrals, after St. John Lateran in Rome, and is among the best known Byzantine structures in the world.
BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque -- otherwise known as the "Blue Mosque" -- in Istanbul dates from the early 17th century and is a symbol of Ottoman might. Located across from the Hagia Sophia, it combines Byzantine and Islamic aesthetics. Doug Chiang's <a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/46/ce/cc/46cecc74b582c4ed4387bd856e498e8c.jpg" target="_blank" target="_blank">concept art</a> for Theed's cliff-edge palace contains many of the same features, including a minaret-like tower.
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque —
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque -- otherwise known as the "Blue Mosque" -- in Istanbul dates from the early 17th century and is a symbol of Ottoman might. Located across from the Hagia Sophia, it combines Byzantine and Islamic aesthetics. Doug Chiang's concept art for Theed's cliff-edge palace contains many of the same features, including a minaret-like tower.
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The Gungans living on Naboo were pilloried by fans, but their underwater home city of Otoh Gunga was one of the most sophisticated in the galaxy. The intricate metalwork echoes Art Nouveau, a school of architecture emphasizing natural forms.
Otoh Gunga —
The Gungans living on Naboo were pilloried by fans, but their underwater home city of Otoh Gunga was one of the most sophisticated in the galaxy. The intricate metalwork echoes Art Nouveau, a school of architecture emphasizing natural forms.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Art Nouveau entrance to the Hotel Van Eetvelde, in Brussels, circa 1900, designed by Victor Horta.
Hotel Van Eetvelde —
The Art Nouveau entrance to the Hotel Van Eetvelde, in Brussels, circa 1900, designed by Victor Horta.
DEA PICTURE LIBRARY/De Agostini Editorial/De Agostini/Getty Images
Hector Guimard's entrance to the Pasteur metro station in Paris, built in the early 20th century.
Pasteur metro station —
Hector Guimard's entrance to the Pasteur metro station in Paris, built in the early 20th century.
Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The Palace of Fine Arts, a stone's throw from Lucasfilm's San Francisco HQ, is built in the neoclassic style with Corinthian columns, domes and water -- not unlike parts of Theed.
The Palace of Fine Arts —
The Palace of Fine Arts, a stone's throw from Lucasfilm's San Francisco HQ, is built in the neoclassic style with Corinthian columns, domes and water -- not unlike parts of Theed.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Naboo seen during the funeral of Padme. The neoclassic pavilion on the left has shades of those nearby in San Francisco.
Naboo seen during the funeral of Padme. The neoclassic pavilion on the left has shades of those nearby in San Francisco.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Reat says the city planet Coruscant (Pictured in "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith") was inspired by Trantor, a planet from the "Foundation" series of sci-fi novels by Isaac Asimov, written in the 1940s.
Reat says the city planet Coruscant (Pictured in "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith") was inspired by Trantor, a planet from the "Foundation" series of sci-fi novels by Isaac Asimov, written in the 1940s.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
One of Ralph McQuarrie's original paintings of what would become Coruscant. Called Had Abbadon, in the background is the Imperial Palace, home to the Emperor. This vision of Coruscant would never come to pass by the time of the prequels. "Star Wars" lore says the Emperor re-purposed the Jedi Temple when he assumed power at the end of "Revenge of the Sith."
Had Abbadon —
One of Ralph McQuarrie's original paintings of what would become Coruscant. Called Had Abbadon, in the background is the Imperial Palace, home to the Emperor. This vision of Coruscant would never come to pass by the time of the prequels. "Star Wars" lore says the Emperor re-purposed the Jedi Temple when he assumed power at the end of "Revenge of the Sith."
© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
When it came to conceptualizing Coruscant for the special edition version of "Return of the Jedi" in 1997 and later the prequels, George Lucas used the Empire State and the Chrysler Building in New York as two reference points. The metallic finish and curved appendages of the latter would give the capital planet its Art Deco feel.
The Empire State and The Chrysler Building —
When it came to conceptualizing Coruscant for the special edition version of "Return of the Jedi" in 1997 and later the prequels, George Lucas used the Empire State and the Chrysler Building in New York as two reference points. The metallic finish and curved appendages of the latter would give the capital planet its Art Deco feel.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Much of the action on Coruscant -- if we can call it that -- takes place in the Senate. The Republic Executive Building building, a beehive of spacecraft coming and going, is topped with a dome that harks back to Oscar Niemeyer's domed senate chamber in Brasilia.
The Republic Executive Building —
Much of the action on Coruscant -- if we can call it that -- takes place in the Senate. The Republic Executive Building building, a beehive of spacecraft coming and going, is topped with a dome that harks back to Oscar Niemeyer's domed senate chamber in Brasilia.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Niemeyer's Brazilian National Congress, inaugurated in 1960, is one of many modern structures defining the capital Brasilia. The senate dome (left) may be an inspiration behind the senate in "Star Wars," but the link remains unconfirmed.
The Brazilian National Congress —
Niemeyer's Brazilian National Congress, inaugurated in 1960, is one of many modern structures defining the capital Brasilia. The senate dome (left) may be an inspiration behind the senate in "Star Wars," but the link remains unconfirmed.
EVARISTO SA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Senate's Grand Convocation Chamber held a galaxy's worth of politicians, laid out around a central pillar from which the chancellor mediates affairs. The design is double-edged. It appears similar to Jeremy Bentham's <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/panopticon" target="_blank" target="_blank">panopticon</a>, an 18th century prison design providing an omniscient position for the chancellor.
The Grand Convocation Chamber —
The Senate's Grand Convocation Chamber held a galaxy's worth of politicians, laid out around a central pillar from which the chancellor mediates affairs. The design is double-edged. It appears similar to Jeremy Bentham's panopticon, an 18th century prison design providing an omniscient position for the chancellor.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Cuba's now abandoned Presidio Modelo was a real-life example of a functioning panopticon prison, with a central, supposedly omniscient tower.
Presidio Modelo —
Cuba's now abandoned Presidio Modelo was a real-life example of a functioning panopticon prison, with a central, supposedly omniscient tower.
Paolo Arsie Pelanda/Shutterstock
The chamber also looks like a concentrated solar array (like this example in the Mojave Desert, California). With all eyes on you, you're at the whims of the body politic. And as Chancellor Valorum found out in "The Phantom Menace,"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptFhhz5Lrqk" target="_blank" target="_blank"> it's easy to get burned</a>.
The chamber also looks like a concentrated solar array (like this example in the Mojave Desert, California). With all eyes on you, you're at the whims of the body politic. And as Chancellor Valorum found out in "The Phantom Menace," it's easy to get burned.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
The Jedi Temple, seen in "The Phantom Menace." There's cross-pollination of religious architecture throughout: what Reat describes as a "Brutal interpretation of Aztec architecture," and minaret-like towers which "have an entasis, or a bulging," he says, "which reminds you of Southeast Asian towers."
The Jedi Temple —
The Jedi Temple, seen in "The Phantom Menace." There's cross-pollination of religious architecture throughout: what Reat describes as a "Brutal interpretation of Aztec architecture," and minaret-like towers which "have an entasis, or a bulging," he says, "which reminds you of Southeast Asian towers."
Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Jedi Temple archives from "Attack of the Clones." Parts of the internal spaces of the temple were supposedly modeled on the Vatican, but the archives have one clear inspiration: The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin.
The Jedi Temple archives from "Attack of the Clones." Parts of the internal spaces of the temple were supposedly modeled on the Vatican, but the archives have one clear inspiration: The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
The library Long Room at Trinity College, Dublin, pictured in 2007. Completed in 1732, the room is 213 feet long and contains over 200,000 books. There were <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/trinity-considers-legal-action-over-image-in-star-wars-film-1.1126056" target="_blank" target="_blank">stirrings in the Irish press</a> that the college was seeking legal advice after the release of "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, but nothing came of it.
The library Long Room at Trinity College, Dublin, pictured in 2007. Completed in 1732, the room is 213 feet long and contains over 200,000 books. There were stirrings in the Irish press that the college was seeking legal advice after the release of "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, but nothing came of it.
BENOIT DOPPAGNE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Death Star in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Not originally conceived as spherical, it took its shape after production designer John Barry added a curve to the lengthy corridors requested by Lucas.
The Death Star —
The Death Star in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Not originally conceived as spherical, it took its shape after production designer John Barry added a curve to the lengthy corridors requested by Lucas.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
The second Death Star in "Return of the Jedi" was conspicuously incomplete, but its weapon was fully operational. The Imperial aesthetic, down to officer's uniforms, was heavily-indebted to Nazi Germany, all part of Lucas and McQuarrie's choice to easily signpost the galaxy's baddies.
The Death Star II —
The second Death Star in "Return of the Jedi" was conspicuously incomplete, but its weapon was fully operational. The Imperial aesthetic, down to officer's uniforms, was heavily-indebted to Nazi Germany, all part of Lucas and McQuarrie's choice to easily signpost the galaxy's baddies.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Zaha Hadid's painting of the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hadid was inspired by the Russian avant-garde and Suprematism, creating abstract works that, like the second Death Star, broke down at their extremities.
Zaha Hadid's painting of the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hadid was inspired by the Russian avant-garde and Suprematism, creating abstract works that, like the second Death Star, broke down at their extremities.
Zaha Hadid Architects
The fatal flaw within the second Death Star in "Return of the Jedi" was its reactor core. For a real-world likeness, seek out the photography of <a href="https://www.wired.com/2016/11/reginald-van-de-velde-abandoned-enormous-cooling-towers/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Reginald Van de Velde</a>. His series capturing abandoned cooling towers, some as tall as 800 feet, are uncannily like the Death Star's vast interior.
The fatal flaw within the second Death Star in "Return of the Jedi" was its reactor core. For a real-world likeness, seek out the photography of Reginald Van de Velde. His series capturing abandoned cooling towers, some as tall as 800 feet, are uncannily like the Death Star's vast interior.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
A still from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" depicts a show of force from First Order troops on Starkiller Base. The visual language echoes the Nuremberg Rallies of the 1930s, when Nazi party members gathered annually in northern Bavaria. In the background, the base's weapon is fired, perhaps an allusion to the "Cathedral of Light."
Starkiller Base —
A still from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" depicts a show of force from First Order troops on Starkiller Base. The visual language echoes the Nuremberg Rallies of the 1930s, when Nazi party members gathered annually in northern Bavaria. In the background, the base's weapon is fired, perhaps an allusion to the "Cathedral of Light."
Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
The "Cathedral of Light" was the name given to the practice of turning anti-aircraft searchlights to the sky en masse at the Zeppelin Field at Nuremberg. The visual spectacle was described as "<a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ORGhCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Martin+Kitchen,+Speer:+Hitler%27s+Architect&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf-orgt_jXAhWGalAKHT4bBagQ6AEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=Nevile%20Henderson&f=false" target="_blank" target="_blank">both solemn and beautiful</a>" by British ambassador Nevile Henderson. Pictured is one such instance in September 1937.
The "Cathedral of Light" was the name given to the practice of turning anti-aircraft searchlights to the sky en masse at the Zeppelin Field at Nuremberg. The visual spectacle was described as "both solemn and beautiful" by British ambassador Nevile Henderson. Pictured is one such instance in September 1937.
Historical/Corbis Historical/Corbis via Getty Images
Two Star Destroyers and the "Executor," Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer, seen in "The Empire Strikes Back." The Imperial spaceships are, like the Death Star, Brutalist on close inspection, a mass of hard lines and boxy shapes. Originally conceived as a 36-inch model, the Star Destroyer silhouette would eventually show up in the real world.
Star Destroyers —
Two Star Destroyers and the "Executor," Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer, seen in "The Empire Strikes Back." The Imperial spaceships are, like the Death Star, Brutalist on close inspection, a mass of hard lines and boxy shapes. Originally conceived as a 36-inch model, the Star Destroyer silhouette would eventually show up in the real world.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
A number of outlets noticed a distinctly Star Destroyer-esque shape to Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects' concept for a new astronomical center at the Troodos Observatory, in Cyprus. The company isn't shy about its inspiration: architect Nicodemos K. Tsolakis said in September: "I was a 'Star Wars' fan growing up. Of course, the client didn't know this when they hired us. They were pretty surprised with where we took it but they love the ideas."
Troodos Observatory, Cyprus —
A number of outlets noticed a distinctly Star Destroyer-esque shape to Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects' concept for a new astronomical center at the Troodos Observatory, in Cyprus. The company isn't shy about its inspiration: architect Nicodemos K. Tsolakis said in September: "I was a 'Star Wars' fan growing up. Of course, the client didn't know this when they hired us. They were pretty surprised with where we took it but they love the ideas."
Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects
What if the Empire got to the ice planet Hoth first? The Kyoto International Conference Center certainly looks the picture under a blanket of snow. Designed by Sachio Otani and opened in 1966, it uses Brutalist concrete in a modern take on traditional Japanese architecture. Full of triangles and hexagons -- see Christoffer Rudquist's<a href="http://christoffer.co/kyoto-icc" target="_blank" target="_blank"> incredible photo series</a> of the interiors -- the shapes also happen to mimic Imperial aesthetics <a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/171208150415-star-wars-architecture-star-destroyer-interior-super-169.jpg" target="_blank" target="_blank">almost perfectly</a>.
The Kyoto ICC —
What if the Empire got to the ice planet Hoth first? The Kyoto International Conference Center certainly looks the picture under a blanket of snow. Designed by Sachio Otani and opened in 1966, it uses Brutalist concrete in a modern take on traditional Japanese architecture. Full of triangles and hexagons -- see Christoffer Rudquist's incredible photo series of the interiors -- the shapes also happen to mimic Imperial aesthetics almost perfectly.
Yoshinori Kuwahara/Moment Open/Getty Images
The Full Moon Hotel by <a href="http://www.heerim.com/project/view?id=538&lang=en" target="_blank" target="_blank">Heerim Architects</a> drew instant comparisons with the Death Star when renders hit the internet in 2007. The hotel, planned for Baku, Azerbaijan, wouldn't have been out of step with the city -- it's home to a bevvy or intriguing architecture -- but to date the building sadly remains unrealized.
The Full Moon Hotel, Baku —
The Full Moon Hotel by Heerim Architects drew instant comparisons with the Death Star when renders hit the internet in 2007. The hotel, planned for Baku, Azerbaijan, wouldn't have been out of step with the city -- it's home to a bevvy or intriguing architecture -- but to date the building sadly remains unrealized.
Heerim Architects & Planners Co., Ltd.
Ralph McQuarrie's concept art of Cloud City, as seen in "The Empire Strikes Back." The floating metropolis was inspired by "Flash Gordon" and 1930s sci-fi/western serial "The Phantom Empire," says Reat.
Cloud City —
Ralph McQuarrie's concept art of Cloud City, as seen in "The Empire Strikes Back." The floating metropolis was inspired by "Flash Gordon" and 1930s sci-fi/western serial "The Phantom Empire," says Reat.
© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
"George was actually one of the ultimate recyclers of concept art," says Szostak. This McQuarrie painting shows an early version of Alderaan, which was at one time imagined as an Imperial City. Another unused McQuarrie Imperial City<a href="http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/01/13-ImperialCity.png" target="_blank" target="_blank"> looked a lot like Cloud City</a>, and later on the two would be combined.
Alderaan —
"George was actually one of the ultimate recyclers of concept art," says Szostak. This McQuarrie painting shows an early version of Alderaan, which was at one time imagined as an Imperial City. Another unused McQuarrie Imperial City looked a lot like Cloud City, and later on the two would be combined.
© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
When Cloud City received a revamp in 1997 with the release of the special editions, the architecture drew close resemblance to McQuarrie's early Alderaan concepts.
Cloud City —
When Cloud City received a revamp in 1997 with the release of the special editions, the architecture drew close resemblance to McQuarrie's early Alderaan concepts.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Similar to Cloud City, in 2014 NASA proposed that "HAVOC" (High Altitude Venus Operational Concept), a floating settlement above the toxic, highly pressurized surface of Venus, might be one way to successfully explore our nearest solar neighbor.
HAVOC —
Similar to Cloud City, in 2014 NASA proposed that "HAVOC" (High Altitude Venus Operational Concept), a floating settlement above the toxic, highly pressurized surface of Venus, might be one way to successfully explore our nearest solar neighbor.
Courtesy SACD/NASA
Stone clochans, as seen in "The Force Awakens." The 6th century structures on Skellig Michael, an outcrop off southwest Ireland, were once a Christian monastery, but in the "Star Wars" universe double as the site of the first Jedi temple.
Ahch-To —
Stone clochans, as seen in "The Force Awakens." The 6th century structures on Skellig Michael, an outcrop off southwest Ireland, were once a Christian monastery, but in the "Star Wars" universe double as the site of the first Jedi temple.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
One of Ralph McQuarrie's early paintings of Mos Eisley, Tatooine. The city, "a hive of scum and villainy," was imagined to be constructed of mud, rammed earth and plaster in the North African vernacular.
One of Ralph McQuarrie's early paintings of Mos Eisley, Tatooine. The city, "a hive of scum and villainy," was imagined to be constructed of mud, rammed earth and plaster in the North African vernacular.
© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
The films famously shot scenes for Tatooine in Tunisia, utilizing grain storage containers called ghorfas and turning the Sisi el Driss Hotel in Matmata into Luke's subterranean home. Pictured is the entrance to Luke's homestead, which <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/blogarchive/insidethemiddleeast.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/12/star-wars-fans-restore-luke-skywalkers-tunisia-ranch/">fans restored in 2012</a>.
The films famously shot scenes for Tatooine in Tunisia, utilizing grain storage containers called ghorfas and turning the Sisi el Driss Hotel in Matmata into Luke's subterranean home. Pictured is the entrance to Luke's homestead, which fans restored in 2012.
Damien Slattery
Tatooine, with its desert climate, relied on moisture farmers for water. The problems surrounding arid climates is a crucial design consideration for architects operating in parts of the Middle East. In 2015, Luca Curci Architects presented "<a href="http://www.lucacurci.com/portfolio/desert-cities.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">Desert Cities</a>," a proposal for sustainable living in the UAE's open desert, utilizing natural building materials and water recycling.
Desert Cities —
Tatooine, with its desert climate, relied on moisture farmers for water. The problems surrounding arid climates is a crucial design consideration for architects operating in parts of the Middle East. In 2015, Luca Curci Architects presented "Desert Cities," a proposal for sustainable living in the UAE's open desert, utilizing natural building materials and water recycling.
Luca Curci Architects
The sandcrawler, a tracked vehicle from Tatooine, featured in the first "Star Wars" film. Not a building per se, it has an unlikely architectural legacy ...
The sandcrawler, a tracked vehicle from Tatooine, featured in the first "Star Wars" film. Not a building per se, it has an unlikely architectural legacy ...
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Architecture firm Aedas took the <a href="https://www.aedas.com/en/what-we-do/featured-projects/sandcrawler" target="_blank" target="_blank">sandcrawler</a> silhouette and successfully applied it to none other than the Lucasfilm Singapore HQ. Completed in 2013, the design went on to win a number of awards.
Architecture firm Aedas took the sandcrawler silhouette and successfully applied it to none other than the Lucasfilm Singapore HQ. Completed in 2013, the design went on to win a number of awards.
Aedas
Jabba the Hutt's palace on Tatooine, as painted by Ralph McQuarrie. A combination of Byzantine shapes and clean Brutalist surfaces, it's an example of the "Star Wars" universe's magpie approach to architecture.
Jabba's Palace —
Jabba the Hutt's palace on Tatooine, as painted by Ralph McQuarrie. A combination of Byzantine shapes and clean Brutalist surfaces, it's an example of the "Star Wars" universe's magpie approach to architecture.
© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
'Star Wars' architecture

Story highlights

"May the 4th be with you" went from a pun to a hashtag to a holiday

Fans celebrate the day worldwide in a number of ways

CNN  — 

It’s not just a pun.

“May the 4th be with you” is a full-fledged unofficial holiday, “Star Wars Day.”

Actually, as far as Lucasfilm and Disney are concerned, it’s quite official.

So why this day, and what is there to do other than watch it trend on Twitter? (After all, it’s apparently important enough to send hardcore fans into a tizzy when they feel it’s been mistreated.)

As legend has it, and according to the origin story recognized by Lucasfilm, the phrase was first used on May 4, 1979, the day Margaret Thatcher took office as UK prime minister. The Conservative party allegedly placed an ad in the London Evening News which read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

It took off in the social media age (where it has become a big deal every year) and finally expanded to real-life with events in Toronto. Now, there are events celebrating the day worldwide.

There are online and in-store deals on “Star Wars” merchandise and gaming, “Star Wars” food galore and events where fans are encouraged to dress up or play “Star Wars” trivia or just enjoy their favorite film franchise.

Most of the family-friendly events happpened over the weekend, but here are five things you can do on Star Wars Day:

1) Get out your stormtrooper costume and cosplay with your friends

Toronto’s Smiling Buddha – where Star Wars Day revelry began – offers music, performances and the chance to “cosplay as your favorite characters while being surrounded by other fans in the most wretched hive of scum and villainy.” See if there’s one in your neck of the woods.

2) Watch the movies with an adult beverage (or not)

Atlanta’s Battle and Brew bar offers “Star Wars” movies and a themed drink. What more can you ask from a bar targeting the nerd crowd? If there are no showings in your town, why not host your own?

‘Star Wars:’ Revenge of the myth

3) Cosplay competitively

<strong>Mos Espa (Oung Jmel, Tunisia): </strong>Sets depicting the spaceport of Mos Espa on Anakin and Luke Skywalker's home planet Tatooine are still standing near the Tunisian town of Nefta.
Mos Espa (Oung Jmel, Tunisia): Sets depicting the spaceport of Mos Espa on Anakin and Luke Skywalker's home planet Tatooine are still standing near the Tunisian town of Nefta.
FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Luke Skywalker's igloo (Chott El Jerid, Nefta, Tunisia): </strong>The igloo exterior of Luke's house was filmed about 300 kilometers away on the dried-up salt lake of Chott El Jerid. It was rebuilt for "Attack of the Clones," and later restored by a fan.
Luke Skywalker's igloo (Chott El Jerid, Nefta, Tunisia): The igloo exterior of Luke's house was filmed about 300 kilometers away on the dried-up salt lake of Chott El Jerid. It was rebuilt for "Attack of the Clones," and later restored by a fan.
Damien Slattery
<strong>Scarif (Laamu Atoll, Maldives): </strong>In "Rogue One," the Laamu Atoll, a string of islands that form part of the Maldives archipelago, plays Scarif, an Imperial planet where Death Star plans are stored.
Scarif (Laamu Atoll, Maldives): In "Rogue One," the Laamu Atoll, a string of islands that form part of the Maldives archipelago, plays Scarif, an Imperial planet where Death Star plans are stored.
Gallo Images/Brand X/Getty Images
<strong>Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia: </strong>In "The Last Jedi," the stunning salt flats of Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia stand in for the planet of Crait, scene of a battle between Resistance and the First Order.
Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia: In "The Last Jedi," the stunning salt flats of Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia stand in for the planet of Crait, scene of a battle between Resistance and the First Order.
AIZAR RALDES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Luke Skywalker's home (Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia): </strong>Built centuries ago by indigenous Berbers, this subterranean cave homes were converted to a hotel which George Lucas used as Luke Skywalker's childhood home in the original "Star Wars" film. It's still a hotel and contains props used in "Attack of the Clones."
Luke Skywalker's home (Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia): Built centuries ago by indigenous Berbers, this subterranean cave homes were converted to a hotel which George Lucas used as Luke Skywalker's childhood home in the original "Star Wars" film. It's still a hotel and contains props used in "Attack of the Clones."
Courtesy TripAdvisor
<strong>Imperial b</strong><strong>ase, Scarif (Canary Wharf Station, London): </strong>The futuristic steel, glass and concrete of London's Canary Wharf metro station doubles as an Imperial base on Scarif. The station is regularly used by bankers, so arguably has experience of the dark side of The Force.
Imperial base, Scarif (Canary Wharf Station, London): The futuristic steel, glass and concrete of London's Canary Wharf metro station doubles as an Imperial base on Scarif. The station is regularly used by bankers, so arguably has experience of the dark side of The Force.
John F. Wenceslao, MD/MOMENT RM/Getty Images
<strong>Massassi outpost (Tikal National Park, Guatemala): </strong>These thousand-year-old Mayan ruins came within a whisker of being destroyed by the Death Star in "A New Hope." The film sees the temples used as a Rebel base.
Massassi outpost (Tikal National Park, Guatemala): These thousand-year-old Mayan ruins came within a whisker of being destroyed by the Death Star in "A New Hope." The film sees the temples used as a Rebel base.
JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Endor (Redwood National and State Parks, California): </strong>The thrilling speedbike chases in "The Return of the Jedi" through the forests of Endor -- the home of the furry Ewoks -- were filmed among California's giant redwoods.
Endor (Redwood National and State Parks, California): The thrilling speedbike chases in "The Return of the Jedi" through the forests of Endor -- the home of the furry Ewoks -- were filmed among California's giant redwoods.
Visit California/Carol Highsmith
<strong>Eadu (Reynisfjara, Iceland): </strong>The black sand beach of Reynisfjara, a wild stretch of North Atlantic coastline close to the small town of Vik and Iceland's southernmost tip, appears in "Rogue One" as the stormy planet of Eadu.
Eadu (Reynisfjara, Iceland): The black sand beach of Reynisfjara, a wild stretch of North Atlantic coastline close to the small town of Vik and Iceland's southernmost tip, appears in "Rogue One" as the stormy planet of Eadu.
Loop Images/Ed Rhodes/Passage/Getty Images
<strong>Naboo (Whippendell Woods, near Watford, UK): </strong>The tranquil glades of <a href="http://cassioburypark.info/whippendell-wood/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Whippendell Woods</a>, just outside London, are the setting for one of the most controversial scenes in "Star Wars." It's where the widely lambasted character of Jar Jar Binks makes his debut.
Naboo (Whippendell Woods, near Watford, UK): The tranquil glades of Whippendell Woods, just outside London, are the setting for one of the most controversial scenes in "Star Wars." It's where the widely lambasted character of Jar Jar Binks makes his debut.
Courtesy Cassioburypark.info
<strong>Theed </strong><strong>Royal Palace (Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain): </strong>The majestic Plaza de Espana in the Spanish city of Seville was originally built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. In "Attack of the Clones" and "The Phantom Menace," it doubles as a palace on Naboo where Anakin and Padme get to stroll among its colonnades.
Theed Royal Palace (Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain): The majestic Plaza de Espana in the Spanish city of Seville was originally built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. In "Attack of the Clones" and "The Phantom Menace," it doubles as a palace on Naboo where Anakin and Padme get to stroll among its colonnades.
ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Mustafar (Mount Etna, Italy): </strong>By the magic of cinematic special effects, the lava flows on Sicilian volcano Etna provided the hellish backdrop for a battle scene between Obi-Wan and Anakin in "Revenge of the Sith."
Mustafar (Mount Etna, Italy): By the magic of cinematic special effects, the lava flows on Sicilian volcano Etna provided the hellish backdrop for a battle scene between Obi-Wan and Anakin in "Revenge of the Sith."
MARCELLO PATERNOSTRO/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Tatooine (Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada):</strong> Although most of Tatooine was shot in Tunisia, crucial scenes in "A New Hope" were filmed in Death Valley between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mojave Desert.
Tatooine (Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada): Although most of Tatooine was shot in Tunisia, crucial scenes in "A New Hope" were filmed in Death Valley between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mojave Desert.
GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Jakku (Abu Dhabi, UAE): </strong>For the "Force Awakens," director J.J. Abrams chose the desert of the United Arab Emirates to represent the planet Jakku.<br />
Jakku (Abu Dhabi, UAE): For the "Force Awakens," director J.J. Abrams chose the desert of the United Arab Emirates to represent the planet Jakku.
KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Resistance X-Wing Figher base (Former RAF Greenham Common military base, Berkshire, UK): </strong>At the height of the Cold War, RAF Greenham Common military base was one of the most heavily guarded locations in the UK. It was a staging post for US military aircraft and home to some of Britain's nuclear arsenal. Since being decommissioned, the base has been used for several movie projects.
Resistance X-Wing Figher base (Former RAF Greenham Common military base, Berkshire, UK): At the height of the Cold War, RAF Greenham Common military base was one of the most heavily guarded locations in the UK. It was a staging post for US military aircraft and home to some of Britain's nuclear arsenal. Since being decommissioned, the base has been used for several movie projects.
lucasfilm ltd.
<strong>Jedi temple (Skellig Michael, Ireland): </strong>The finale of "The Force Awakens" was filmed at the ruins of this seventh-century monastery, which sits on the steep sides of the island Skellig Michael. It is also appears in "The Last Jedi."
Jedi temple (Skellig Michael, Ireland): The finale of "The Force Awakens" was filmed at the ruins of this seventh-century monastery, which sits on the steep sides of the island Skellig Michael. It is also appears in "The Last Jedi."
DEA / S. VANNINI/De Agostini Editorial/De Agostini/Getty Images
<strong>Dubrovnik, Croatia: </strong>The beautiful medieval city of Dubrovnik makes an appearance in "The Last Jedi" as Canto Bight, a "Star Wars" version of Las Vegas.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: The beautiful medieval city of Dubrovnik makes an appearance in "The Last Jedi" as Canto Bight, a "Star Wars" version of Las Vegas.
ELVIS BARUKCIC/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Moon of Jedha (Wadi Rum, Jordan): </strong>In "Rogue One," the moon of Jedha is a place of spiritual significance for the Jedi. It's sandy landscape is actually Wadi Rum, a desert wilderness in southern Jordan.
Moon of Jedha (Wadi Rum, Jordan): In "Rogue One," the moon of Jedha is a place of spiritual significance for the Jedi. It's sandy landscape is actually Wadi Rum, a desert wilderness in southern Jordan.
Courtesy Visit Jordan
<strong>Mos Espa slave quarter (Medenine, Tunisia): </strong>When Anakin was a slave boy in "The Phantom Menace," his quarters were filmed on this real-life Tunisian street. The distinctive buildings with vaulted ceilings are ghorfas, used by Berbers to store their grain.
Mos Espa slave quarter (Medenine, Tunisia): When Anakin was a slave boy in "The Phantom Menace," his quarters were filmed on this real-life Tunisian street. The distinctive buildings with vaulted ceilings are ghorfas, used by Berbers to store their grain.
Courtesy Roger Noguera Arnau
<strong>Lake Retreat (Villa del Balbianello, Lenno, Italy): </strong>Managed by Italy's National Trust, the Villa del Balbianello on the shores of Lake Como, was the scene of Anakin and Padme's wedding in "Attack of the Clones." In real life, the villa is also a popular wedding destination.
Lake Retreat (Villa del Balbianello, Lenno, Italy): Managed by Italy's National Trust, the Villa del Balbianello on the shores of Lake Como, was the scene of Anakin and Padme's wedding in "Attack of the Clones." In real life, the villa is also a popular wedding destination.
Courtesy FAI/The National Trust for Italy
<strong>Eadu (Krafla, Iceland): </strong>Northeastern Iceland's Krafla Volcano also doubles as the planet of Eadu in "Rogue One." It's on Eadu that Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, tries to save her wounded father.
Eadu (Krafla, Iceland): Northeastern Iceland's Krafla Volcano also doubles as the planet of Eadu in "Rogue One." It's on Eadu that Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, tries to save her wounded father.
Bob Krist/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images
<strong>Great Pit of Carkoon (Buttercup Valley, Yuma Desert, Arizona): </strong>The Great Pit of Carkoon, home to the sarlacc that eats Jabba's prisoners in "Return of the Jedi," was filmed in Arizona rather than Tunisia.
Great Pit of Carkoon (Buttercup Valley, Yuma Desert, Arizona): The Great Pit of Carkoon, home to the sarlacc that eats Jabba's prisoners in "Return of the Jedi," was filmed in Arizona rather than Tunisia.
VisitYuma.com
<strong>Hoth (Hardanger Jokulen Glacier and Finse, Norway): </strong>Exteriors of the ice world Hoth in "The Empire Strikes Back" were shot in the tiny village of Finse, Norway, and the main battlefield scenes were shot on the nearby glacier.
Hoth (Hardanger Jokulen Glacier and Finse, Norway): Exteriors of the ice world Hoth in "The Empire Strikes Back" were shot in the tiny village of Finse, Norway, and the main battlefield scenes were shot on the nearby glacier.
Asle Øyidvin
<strong>Kashyyyk (Guilin, China): </strong>Thailand and southern China might be warm for a hairy Wookiee, but that didn't stop them being used as doubles for Chewbacca's home planet of Kashyyyk in "Revenge of the Sith."
Kashyyyk (Guilin, China): Thailand and southern China might be warm for a hairy Wookiee, but that didn't stop them being used as doubles for Chewbacca's home planet of Kashyyyk in "Revenge of the Sith."
China Photos/Getty Images
Star Wars destinations

‘Star Wars:’ Revenge of the myth

UNICEF and Lucasfilm/Disney have joined forces with a wearable power band that allows fans, young and old, to get moving and help children in need around the world.

5) Stay at home and throw your own party

The ever-creative and ever-geeky Justjennrecipes.com has more “Star Wars” themed sweets than you can swing a lightsaber at.

CNN’s Anika Myers Palm contributed to this report.

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