04 May - USA celebrates Star Wars Day

 

The 1977 release of “Star Wars” changed Hollywood forever. Four decades later we’re still enthralled. Just last December, “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”, was released in theaters. Following the previous two movies of the sequel trilogy, “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”, the main Star Wars film franchise has come to a conclusion. So — Happy Star Wars Day this May 4!

The first organized Star Wars Day took place in Toronto back in 2011. The event included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show, a costume contest, and a showing of fan-made tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes. In late 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm and has officially observed the holiday at Disneyland and Walt Disney World ever since.

04 May - The Superga air disaster in 1949

 

The Superga air disaster indeed remains one of the most tragic events in the history of sports. On May 4, 1949, a plane carrying the Torino football team, also known as Il Grande Torino, crashed into the retaining wall at the back of the Basilica of Superga, which overlooks Turin, Italy. This disaster claimed the lives of all 31 people on board, including 18 players, the coaching staff, and club officials.

The Torino team at that time was a dominant force in Italian football, having won numerous league titles. The loss of the entire team had a profound impact on Italian football and the city of Turin. It took decades for Torino to recover from this tragedy, both emotionally and in terms of sporting success.

The Superga air disaster is remembered annually by Torino fans and the football community as a whole, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic event.

04 May - King Charles II of England commissions the Royal Observatory in Greenwich in 1675

 

On 04 May 1675, King Charles II of England issued a royal warrant establishing the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This observatory was primarily intended to advance the field of astronomy and improve navigation at sea. John Flamsteed was appointed as the first Astronomer Royal, tasked with the responsibility of accurately mapping the stars and maintaining precise astronomical records. The Royal Observatory at Greenwich played a crucial role in the development of celestial navigation, enabling sailors to determine their position accurately at sea by using the stars. Today, the site is famous for being the location of the Prime Meridian, marking the starting point of longitude and serving as a major tourist attraction and center for scientific research.

04 May - Latvia Day of Restoration of Independence

 

Latvia's Day of Restoration of Independence is celebrated on May 4th. This significant day commemorates the declaration of independence of Latvia from the Soviet Union in 1990. After decades of Soviet occupation, Latvia's journey to independence was marked by various struggles and resistance movements. The Declaration of the Restoration of Independence, adopted by the Supreme Soviet of Latvia on May 4, 1990, symbolized the country's determination to regain its sovereignty and freedom. Since then, May 4th has been observed annually in Latvia as a national holiday, celebrated with various events, ceremonies, and festivities to honor the country's independence and resilience. It's a time for reflection on Latvia's history, appreciation for its regained freedom, and looking forward to its future.

04 May - Margaret Thatcher Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1979

 

Margaret Thatcher, was a British stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 4 May 1979 to 28 November 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold that office. A Soviet journalist dubbed her "The 'Iron Lady'", a nickname that became associated with her uncompromising politics and leadership style. As Prime Minister, she implemented policies known as Thatcherism

04 May - Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin stamp issued in India

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on 04 May 2001 of Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the greatest Romantic piano composers. Chopin was born in Żelazowa Wola, a village in the Duchy of Warsaw. A famous child prodigy, he grew up in Warsaw where he completed his music education and composed many of his mature works before leaving Poland in 1830 at age 20, shortly before the November 1830 Uprising.

04 May - Mohammed Abdel Wahab death anniversary

 

Mohammed Abdel Wahab (13 March 1902 – 4 May 1991) was an Egyptian singer, composer, and actor who is considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Arab music. He was born in Cairo, Egypt, and began his career as a singer at a young age. He quickly gained fame for his powerful voice and emotional performances.

Mohammed Abdel Wahab was born on 13 March 1902, in Bab El-Shaariya, a district of Cairo, Egypt. He grew up in a family that loved music, and he was exposed to various genres from a young age. He started singing and playing the oud (a Middle Eastern stringed instrument) when he was only six years old.

Abdel Wahab’s talent was quickly recognized, and he began performing at local events and celebrations. He then went on to study music and voice at the Cairo Conservatory, where he learned classical Western music as well as traditional Arabic music.

In the 1920s, Abdel Wahab started his professional career as a singer and composer. He quickly gained popularity and became one of the most famous musicians in Egypt and the Arab world. His unique voice and emotive performances, combined with his talent for composing and arranging music, made him a beloved figure.

Abdel Wahab also made a name for himself as an actor, starring in several Egyptian films in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his good looks and charisma, and his on-screen presence helped popularize him even further.

Throughout his career, Abdel Wahab collaborated with many other famous musicians and singers, including Umm Kulthum, who is considered the “voice of Egypt.” Together, they created some of the most memorable songs in Arab music history.

Abdel Wahab continued to perform and compose music until his death on 4 May 1991. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all over the world.