National Mario Day (March 10)
March 10 is a special day for video game fans—National Mario Day!
Named after the beloved Nintendo character, this day is all about celebrating the adventures of Mario, Luigi, and the entire Mushroom Kingdom.
Whether you grew up playing Super Mario Bros. or are introducing your kids to the games, it’s a great time to honor one of gaming’s biggest icons.
Plus, it’s just one of many weird holidays in March!
When is the Holiday?
It is celebrated every year on March 10th. The date was chosen because when written as “Mar10,” it closely resembles the name “Mario.”
Who Invented It?
While Mario has been around since the 1980s, the holiday wasn’t officially recognized by Nintendo until 2016.
Fans had been celebrating it for years before that, using the day as an excuse to play Mario games and share their love for the character.
The History of the Holiday
The origins of the video game day trace back to gaming enthusiasts who noticed that “Mar10” resembled “Mario.”
Over time, fans and gaming communities began celebrating, and Nintendo eventually embraced the holiday, making it an official event in 2016.
Since then, the holiday has grown significantly, with major retailers and gaming companies offering special promotions, themed events, and exclusive merchandise on this day.
Even gaming tournaments and live-streamed Mario-themed events have become part of the celebration, further cementing the holiday’s place in gaming culture.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong (1981) as “Jumpman.”
- The character was named after Mario Segale, a landlord who rented a warehouse to Nintendo.
- Mario is considered the best-selling video game franchise of all time, with over 262 million games sold.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) became one of the highest-grossing games ever.
- In Mario’s first game appearance, he was a carpenter, not a plumber.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Activities to Celebrate
- Play classic Mario games like Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart, or Super Mario Odyssey.
- Host a Mario-themed party with costumes, decorations, and Mario-inspired food.
- Try Mario-inspired crafts, like perler bead projects or coloring pages.
- Bake Mario-themed treats, such as cupcakes decorated with power-up mushrooms.
- Challenge friends to a Mario Kart tournament!
Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Mario and Princess Peach Cupcakes – Decorate cupcakes to match these iconic characters.
- Mario Kart Cupcakes – Inspired by the fast-paced racing game.
- Piranha Plant Strawberry Cupcakes – A fun twist on a classic treat.
- Mario Star and Dino Egg Cookies – Perfect for a Mario-themed party.
Links to Resources
- Free printable Mario coloring pages. Download and print these fun Mario-themed coloring pages, featuring favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser.
- Engage young learners with these free Super Mario dot-to-dot worksheets. These activities help improve number recognition and fine motor skills while adding a fun, interactive element to the celebration.
- DIY Mario Kart obstacle course ideas. Bring the excitement of Mario Kart to life with a homemade obstacle course! This guide provides step-by-step instructions on setting up a real-life race using simple household items and outdoor spaces.
- Mario-themed party decorations and costumes. Throw the ultimate Mario-themed party in style.
Related Holidays
- National Video Game Day (July 8)
- Batman Day (Third Saturday in September)
Pin it!
Share this post about Mario on Pinterest!
