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4 May: what is celebrated today
Some dates may seem trivial on the calendar, but they hold unexpected meanings. 4 May is one of them: a day when imagination and reality come together, when the epic of fiction coexists with everyday courage. Between distant galaxies and emergency sirens, this day reminds us that heroism takes many forms, some born of fantasy, others deeply human.
Star Wars Day
Every 4 May, millions of people around the world say a phrase that is already part of contemporary cultural heritage: May the Force be with you. The wordplay on the date—May the Fourth—turned this day into a spontaneous celebration created by fans themselves, who from the late 1970s transformed a film saga into a common language across generations.
The origin of Star Wars Day dates back to 1979, when a political congratulation published in the British press used the famous phrase to celebrate Margaret Thatcher's arrival in power. That linguistic coincidence was adopted by followers of the saga as a sign, and over time it spread through communities, social networks and cultural events until it became a global observance.
Beyond cinema, Star Wars is a modern myth. It speaks of the conflict between good and evil, learning, the temptation of power and hope as a transformative force. Its characters, from wise masters to imperfect heroes, convey values that continue to engage with the present. That is why every 4 May celebrates not only films, but a way of imagining the world and narrating our own struggles.
International Firefighters' Day
On the same day that fictional heroes are honoured, the calendar pays tribute to those who risk their lives without special effects or scripts. International Firefighters' Day has been observed every 4 May since 1999, in memory of five firefighters who died during a bushfire in Australia and coinciding with the feast of Saint Florian, their patron in Europe.
Firefighters represent a form of quiet, constant heroism. Their work is not limited to putting out fires: they rescue people, protect the environment, act in disasters and, often on a voluntary basis, uphold the safety of entire communities. Their work requires technical preparation, physical endurance and a vocation renewed with every intervention.
This day invites us to look directly at a reality we tend to take for granted. Recognising the so-called “heroes in blue” also means recognising the value of solidarity, collective commitment and shared responsibility. In the face of fire, danger and uncertainty, they embody real, everyday and profoundly human courage.