Mario Day

Mario Day is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the protagonist of the popular video game series, Mario. The occasion, epitomizing nostalgia for many fans, recognizes not just the iconic Italian plumber but also the broader impact of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and subsequent franchise on the American gaming culture.

The holiday takes its name from the clever play on the calendar date; “MAR10” or March 10th, when stylized, appears similar to the character’s name, Mario. The observance does not have roots in any known historic or traditional events but has been adopted by video game enthusiasts and promulgated by the Nintendo Company, the creators of the character. Emerging from the primordial gaming culture, Mario Day adopted an annual cadence in 2016 with major gaming communities and Nintendo joining in the celebration.

On Mario Day, practitioners engage in various activities such as holding Mario-themed events, participating in online gaming marathons, wearing Mario-themed clothing, or simply reminiscing on the games that defined a generation. The Internet is flooded with tributes in the form of fan art, memes, and forum discussions. Retailers, too, jump on the bandwagon, offering discounts on Mario-themed merchandise. This joyous festivity takes place every year on March 10th.