Today marks another Mario Day, the annual celebration of one of the most beloved characters in video game history — Super Mario’s mustachioed hero Mario — and fans around the world are gearing up for fun, games, and nostalgia.

This unofficial but widely recognized holiday originated from clever wordplay: when written as “Mar. 10,” the date resembles “MAR10,” which looks like Mario’s name. What started as a fan‑driven celebration has since been officially acknowledged and embraced by maker Nintendo since 2015. 

First introduced to gamers in the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong under the name “Jumpman,” Mario went on to become a global icon — starring in well over 200 games and helping define modern platform gaming. 

Nintendo and its partners often mark Mario Day with a variety of activities, promotions, and community events. Previous celebrations have included themed game sales, special rewards for players on Nintendo Switch Online, and meet‑and‑greet experiences with costumed characters in select stores. 

Fans celebrate in their own way too — from playing classic and new Mario titles to sharing memories on social media and even hosting themed parties. 

Wherever you are, today is a chance to “Let’s‑a go!” with the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.

📷 Nintendo YouTube