National Mario Day
Join this iconic Italian plumber on his adventures through fantastic worlds, battling fierce enemies and saving the Princess!
People who grew up in the 1980’s or 1990’s will be sure to know who Mario and his brother Luigi are! Mario and his younger, fraternal twin brother are the most renowned characters of any of the Nintendo games. And they’ll be thrilled to celebrate National Mario Day.
But Mario day is not just for avid gamers or for kids because pretty much anyone can enjoy the celebration if they know a little bit about Mario.
In honor of National Mario Day it would be great to brush up on a little Mario trivia and take a short walk through the history of this endearing character.
History of National Mario Day
National Mario Day came about when it was noticed that, when writing out the day Mar.10, it just happens to spell out the name, “Mario”. From that point forward, the day just seemed to take off!
While Mario day was probably created by clever fans, the Nintendo company finally endorsed it as National Mario Day in 2016.
In fact, the company has even been known to promote the day by offering discount prices on Mario’s games, so it might be a good time to consider buying these classic games at a lower price!
The character of Mario was first introduced in Nintendo’s game Donkey Kong. He didn’t even have his own feature game right away!
When he originally appeared in this game in the early 1980’s Mario was not the plumber that would be recognized today. In fact, in the early days his name was simply “Mr. Jumpman” and he was a carpenter.
Because the history of the character is unclear, some people believe that this original Donkey Kong character was not actually Mario, but was truly the father of both Mario and Luigi. In any case, his life has certainly evolved since those early games in 1981.
A couple of years later, in 1983, Mario broke out on his own and changed his name (and possibly changed his profession to a plumber) in Super Mario Brothers.
From then on, he began what was to eventually become a takeover of Nintendo’s offerings. Various games that he has been featured in have sold over 262 million copies worldwide, making it the most successful video game series of all time.
However, it was not just the Mario character that made the game remarkable, but the technology that it was part of bringing to the forefront of the video gaming industry.
The release of Super Mario 64, more than a decade later in 1996, brought with it groundbreaking, three-dimensional graphics. It was also the first game to integrate a camera view that could be controlled by the player.
Continuing to break through technologically, Super Mario’s Sunshine, released in 2002, made advances in gravitation that allowed players to soar through space and have more movement options than before.
In general, the Mario series of games has been important to the industry of video gaming and the technological advances that have been made through the years in console gaming. It seems that little Mario and his brother have had a very important impact on the world!
How to Celebrate National Mario Day
Although it’s probably stating the obvious, the best way to celebrate National Mario Day is to get playing! But some other fun options to celebrate this whimsical day can make it even better for children and adults.
Play Mario Brothers Video Games
Dust off that Nintendo console and take the day to enjoy the fun and frustration that comes with platform games (games that make you jump from level to level or over obstacles to advance).
Those who grew up with the games might ask themselves if they have shown their children the fun that Mario and all the characters have ready for them. Today is the perfect day! Spend some quality time sharing the fun and the memories with this new generation of players.
Dress Up at Work or at School
Find out ahead of time if your school or work is celebrating the day and, if not, check into how to make that happen.
Try dressing up in that iconic red and blue outfit. Or dress up as another character from the series and see how well your friends really know who is who. Of course, what’s a Mario without Luigi and his other friends?!
National Mario Day Treats
Cakes, cupcakes and other treats can be made and enjoyed on this day as well. In fact, ideas for Mario Bros. inspired recipes are available with a simple search online. Consider cooking up some of these recipe ideas to share at work, at school or with a group of friends at a Mario Party:
- Peanut Butter Star Sandwiches. Since the game is based around collecting stars, make peanut butter sandwiches and then use a star shaped cookie cutter to create adorable, bite-sized finger sandwiches.
- 1UP “Mushroom” Burgers. Work a little food-coloring magic and dye the tops of slider buns green, toast the bun tops and then add small circles of mozzarella cheese (let them melt on while the bun is hot). Serve on top of veggie burgers covered in melted white cheese.
- Flower Power Veggie Platter. Fill a white or yellow bowl with white veggie dip and place it about ⅓ of the way down on a large, white platter. Surround the bowl with sliced yellow peppers, baby carrots and then grape tomatoes to create the “flower”. Use sliced cucumbers and broccoli pieces for the stem and leaves. Add two black olives to the bowl of dip to create eyes.
Gaming and treats go hand in hand, so having a treat and taking some time to remember why the Mario Series has been so successful is the perfect way to celebrate National Mario Day. And don’t forget to share the fun with your friends and family. Mario loves his brother Luigi, so share the love as well as the fun!
Fun Mario Trivia Fact:
Mario’s character in the game is rumored to be named after the first businessman who rented warehouse space to the Nintendo company, Mario Segale.
National Mario Day FAQs
Why is Mario’s profession a plumber, and how did it influence the game’s design?
Mario became a plumber to fit the game’s setting. In “Donkey Kong,” he was a carpenter, but in “Mario Bros.,” the action moved to underground sewers, making plumbing a logical choice.
This change influenced the game’s design, introducing pipes as central elements and shaping the Mushroom Kingdom’s unique environment.
How did Mario’s iconic mustache come to be?
Limited graphics in the early 1980s led to Mario’s mustache. Designers added it to distinguish his nose and mouth, as facial expressions were hard to depict.
This simple addition became a defining feature of his character.
What are some unique ways fans celebrate Mario Day worldwide?
Fans celebrate Mario Day with themed events like Mario Kart tournaments, cosplay gatherings, and baking Mario-shaped treats.
In 2018, Google Maps featured Mario navigating routes in his kart, adding a digital twist to the festivities.
Is there a real-life inspiration behind Mario’s character?
Yes, Mario was named after Mario Segale, a warehouse landlord for Nintendo of America. The company named the character after him during a meeting to resolve an overdue rent issue.
How has Mario influenced popular culture beyond video games?
Mario has appeared in TV shows, comics, and even the 1993 live-action film “Super Mario Bros.” His catchphrases and imagery have become part of global pop culture, influencing fashion, music, and art.
What are some common myths or misconceptions about Mario?
A common myth is that Mario’s last name is “Mario,” making him “Mario Mario.” This originated from the 1993 film but isn’t official canon. Nintendo has stated that Mario and Luigi have no last names.
How did Mario’s character design evolve over time?
Mario’s design evolved from a simple 8-bit figure to a detailed 3D character.
Advancements in technology allowed for more expressive animations, diverse outfits, and interactive environments, enhancing gameplay experiences.
Are there any unusual or rare Mario games that fans might not know about?
Yes, “Mario’s Time Machine” and “Mario is Missing!” are educational games from the early ’90s. They focused on teaching history and geography, offering a different experience from traditional Mario platformers.
How has Mario Day impacted Nintendo’s marketing strategies?
Since officially recognizing Mario Day in 2016, Nintendo has used it to promote Mario games, merchandise, and events. This annual celebration boosts sales and keeps the franchise relevant to new and old fans.
What are some lesser-known facts about Mario’s voice actor?
Charles Martinet has voiced Mario since 1990. He also provides voices for Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Martinet holds the Guinness World Record for the most video game voiceover performances as the same character.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
International Bagpipe Day
That distinctive sound that's both stirring and traditional, often heard at celebrations and gatherings, adding a unique musical flavor to the atmosphere.
We think you may also like...
National Barbie Day
This iconic doll has evolved over the years, inspiring generations of children to imagine the possibilities of their own lives and futures.
Community Manager Appreciation Day
Being the go-to person for a community — keeping things running smoothly and creating a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
Harlem Globetrotter’s Day
Those basketball entertainers with jaw-dropping skills, comedic antics, and dazzling tricks — they turn the court into a stage of sheer amusement.
