A colorful illustration of Mario, Nintendo's iconic plumber, jumping joyfully with his fist raised, wearing his signature red cap and overalls against a background featuring classic Super Mario game elements like question mark blocks and coins

National Mario Day is an annual celebration dedicated to Mario, the beloved character from Nintendo’s video game franchise. Observed on March 10, this day honors the impact Mario has had on gaming culture since his debut in the early 1980s.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: March 10
  • Tagged as: National Mario Day
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalMarioDay
  • When was it founded?: While the exact founding date is unclear, fans began celebrating it unofficially before Nintendo embraced it in 2016.
  • Who founded it?: The day was popularized by fans, with Nintendo later adopting it officially.

History of National Mario Day

The celebration of National Mario Day stems from a clever play on words; when written as “Mar10,” it resembles “MARIO.” This day has become a way for fans to express their love for the character and engage in various gaming activities.

Timeline

  • 1981: Mario first appears in Donkey Kong as Jumpman.
  • 1985: The release of Super Mario Bros., which solidifies Mario’s status as a gaming icon.
  • 2016: Nintendo officially recognizes and promotes National Mario Day.

Dates by Next Year

YearMonth and DateDay
2025March 10Monday
2026March 10Tuesday
2027March 10Wednesday

Observed

National Mario Day is celebrated globally, with fans engaging in activities such as playing Mario games, hosting themed parties, and sharing their love for the franchise on social media.

Fun Facts About Mario

  • Mario’s last name is technically “Mario,” making him “Mario Mario” of the Mario Brothers.
  • The Super Mario series has sold over 210 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
  • The character originally appeared as a carpenter before becoming a plumber.

Quiz

Test your knowledge about Mario!

  1. What was Mario’s original profession?
  2. In which game did he first appear?
  3. Who is his main rival?

Answers:

  1. Carpenter
  2. Donkey Kong
  3. Bowser

FAQs

What is National Mario Day?

National Mario Day celebrates the iconic Nintendo character, observed on March 10 each year.

How do people celebrate?

Fans celebrate by playing games, dressing up as characters, and hosting themed events.

Did Nintendo create National Mario Day?

No, it was initially celebrated by fans, but Nintendo officially recognized it in 2016.

Related

  • Video Game Days
  • Nintendo Celebrations
  • Iconic Video Game Characters