The streets of Guadalajara, Mexico, turned into a scene from Star Wars last week when thousands of fans turned up to celebrate the first Great Parade of the Galaxies.

Participants dressed as stormtroopers walked down the streets amid cheering fans decked out in Star Wars T-shirts and Princess Leia hairstyles, and carrying lightsabres.

The event was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the screening of A New Hope, the first movie in the iconic sci-fi film franchise, on May 25, 1977.

Besides the parade, the city's Museo Trompo Magico held a special exhibition comprising submissions from fans of photographs related to the movies. More than 100 photographs were curated for the exhibition, including autographs by the movies' stars.

The city itself has numerous Star Wars fan clubs, a testament to the residents' love for the George Lucas movies.

Guadalajara's celebrations came a few weeks after Star Wars Day on May 4, which is celebrated by fans all over the world.