National Mario Day 🍄

Overview

National Mario Day, celebrated annually on March 10th, is an unofficial holiday where fans honor Nintendo's iconic plumber, Mario. The date was chosen due to its visual resemblance to the character's name, 'MAR10' looking like 'MARIO.' Enthusiasts celebrate by playing Mario games, sharing memorabilia, and reflecting on the character's significant cultural impact and enduring legacy in the video game industry.

Origin and story

Mario first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was known as 'Jumpman.'

He was originally a carpenter, not a plumber, and his profession changed to plumbing in the 1983 game Mario Bros. to suit its underground pipe setting.

Quick facts

• DateMarch 10
• TypeGames & Fun
• Great forGame nights, Families, Puzzle fans

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Ways to celebrate

Mario Day exists because "MAR10" spells out the date — but the character's actual name has an even stranger real-world origin story than the pun that made his holiday.

Meet the real Mario

Nintendo of America rented its first warehouse from a Washington State landlord named Mario Segale in the early 1980s. Employees named Donkey Kong's protagonist — previously called "Jumpman" — after him, and the name stuck for one of the most recognizable characters in video game history.

Learn the two competing stories

One popular account says Segale confronted Nintendo of America's president over overdue rent, prompting the tribute. A former warehouse manager instead says employees just picked the name as an inside joke, since almost nobody at Nintendo had actually met their reclusive landlord. Read up on both versions and decide which one you buy.

Play something from the series

Fire up a classic or modern Mario game and compare how far the character — and the genre he helped define — has come since his warehouse-landlord days.

Helpful resources: Mario Segale, Inspiration For Nintendo's Hero Plumber, Has Died (NPR)

Fun facts

• Mario first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was known as 'Jumpman.'
• He was originally a carpenter, not a plumber, and his profession changed to plumbing in the 1983 game Mario Bros. to suit its underground pipe setting.
• Mario was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America's warehouse, who reportedly barged in demanding back rent during the company's early struggles.

Sources and attribution

• Mario Segale, Inspiration For Nintendo's Hero Plumber, Has Died (NPR)
• National Mario Day: How a Seattle Man Inspired the Name (FOX 13 Seattle)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: Get Over It DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: National Promposal DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: National Matchmaker DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: National Measure Your Feet DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

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FAQ

When is National Mario Day?

It is observed on March 10 each year.

What is National Mario Day?

National Mario Day celebrates the iconic Nintendo character and the legacy of the Mario games.

How do people celebrate National Mario Day?

People play Mario games, share memories, and explore the series’ history.

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