For anyone looking for an excuse to party during late spring, most look no further than Cinco de Mayo. What’s not to love about washing down tacos with tequila while wearing an oversized sombrero? With all these annual festivities being held in honor of our Mexican allies who helped us protect our claim on the American West during the Battle of Puebla in 1862, the inspiration for the Fifth of May celebration is as great as the celebration itself.

While the most notable cause for celebration during the first week in May for many might be Cinco de Mayo, the real celebration takes place on May 4th - Star Wars Day! While most people are gearing up for the big fiesta on the 5th, the rest of us proudly fly our geek flags a day earlier in celebration of the George Lucas film masterpiece.

Why May fourth? For one thing, May the Fourth be with you sounds awfully close to the iconic Jedi blessing, May the Force be with you. Though widespread observance of Star Wars Day only caught on in recent years, the catchphrase has been around for decades thanks to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

A long time ago, in a country far, far away….Margaret Thatcher was elected to office in Britain on May 4th, 1979, almost two years to the day after the original Star Wars movie release. Well wishers offered the support of the new Prime Minister by running an ad in the London Evening News that said “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.” Star Wars fans would not soon forget the clever pun.

Years later, across the pond in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the first officially organized display of fandom took place for Star Wars Day 2011. The event included Star Wars parodies, mash-ups, celebrity guest appearances, Original Trilogy trivia, and of course, a costume contest. Since then, May 4th has marked an annual tribute to our favorite Sci-Fi film saga.

Hopefully Star Wars Day 2014 was a successful holiday for you this year, however you chose to celebrate. If you feel like one day a year isn’t enough for you to show your full love of this cult Lucasfilm creation, next year be sure to take advantage of The Revenge of the Fifth on May 5th and express your dark side! Until then, May the Fourth Be With You!