Fanboys and fangirls around the world have been holstering their lightsabers, squeezing into their gold bikinis and belting out their best lupine growls in honour of Star Wars Day 2014.
Like every year, the 2014 celebration has fallen on May 4th. Its timing, in case you hadn't guessed, is a rather lame pun on the classic Star Wars line "may the force be with you", one of the most iconic movie quotes of all time.
Twenty seven years after the original Star Wars (now known as Episode IV) was released, the brand is as popular as ever, inspiring its billions of devotees into ever-more elaborate acts of homage - as the following pictures clearly show.
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In the US city of Cincinnati, Darth Vader was asked to throw the first pitch before the Reds-Brewers baseball game.Getty
In the US city of Cincinnati, Darth Vader was asked to throw the first pitch before the Reds-Brewers baseball game.GettyRunners in Argentina take part in the annual Star Wars race.ReutersA stormtrooper attempts to intimidate a fellow runner before the Star Wars race in Buenas AiresReutersIn the Italian capital of Rome, thousands of people have taken part in a giant outdoor Star Wars party - including this very convincing Darth MaulReutersIn Tunisia, the country's tourism board has taken fans around one of the original Star Wars sets - naturally, they dressed up for the occasion.Reuters
