Super Mario Day: The Little-known Holiday Honoring a Famous Video Game Character

The world's favorite plumber is turning 41 today, March 10!

Mario somehow doesn't need an introduction. The little guy has been saving the Mushroom Kingdom, rescuing princesses and taking down evil-doers for over 30 years in video games first introduced by Nintendo.

If you love Mario, the Italian plumber hero of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. videogame series, then today is a very special day. Why? It could also be that when March 10th – MAR10 – is abbreviated and written without a space between the month and date, it looks like the word "Mario." He's been a part of pop culture for more than three decades and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

I know not everyone plays video games, but if you do, I think everyone has played Super Mario Bros. at least once in their lifetime. Today is Super Mario Day, which means it's the perfect time to take a break from adulting and play a little Mario. It's time to disconnect from the grind and reconnect with your inner child!

When was the last time you lost yourself in a world full with Goombas, Koopas, and Piranha Plants? When was the last time you felt that rush of excitement when you heard the Mario theme song start? When was the last time you had some quality time with the child you used to be?

Our lives have changed a lot since then—the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, and of course, the ways we spend our leisure time. But no matter how different things are now than they were then, there will always be times when you need to make time for a little nostalgia. And Mario is always a good choice for that.

Whether you're reminiscing about how your mom put up with you playing Super Mario Brothers while she made dinner or remembering those days on the playground when the only thing that mattered was who had the coolest lunchbox, this throwback is a classic that never gets tiring.

I get it—life is a grind. You spend your days working, doing chores, and taking care of other people. It feels like there's no reprieve—from the demands of work or family.  You usually forget that there are other ways to feel fulfilled.  You're busy. You're stressed. You've got a lot on your plate, and you're trying to balance it all and stay sane. It feels like it's been decades since you've had a chance to check in with the little human you used to be. And it is very hard to remember how fun it used to be when all you were responsible for was playing Super Mario Bros and trying not to pee your pants on the way home from school.

Sometimes all you have to do is take a step back and then do something fun. I know it's not the most serious holiday out there, but let's face it: we could all use a break from being grownups every once in a while. Super Mario Day is a time to gather with friends and loved ones and remember all the times you've spent playing as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Peach (or any of the other characters!) in the Super Mario series.

Super Mario has been here through it all. And today, it's not just about celebrating Super Mario anymore. It's about celebrating someone who represents so much of what we all love about life: creativity, fun, and an appreciation for the simple things. He brings us back to a time when video games were just beginning to show us what they could be, and he reminds us that true heroes really do come in all sizes. He's also served as inspiration for music, toys, clothes, and memes. He taught us so much about being a real human being—and making us realize that life can be beautiful even with mushrooms and turtles in it.

In honor of this day, take a moment for yourself to celebrate your creative spirit. I am very happy to celebrate this day alongside you, and I hope you'll join me in honoring the man who inspired us all to jump a little higher, run a little faster, and never stop trying until we get what we want in life!

So get your phone or video game system of choice out, grab a friend (or two), and spend some quality time jumping on mushrooms, hammering turtles, and trying to save Princess Peach from Bowser.

What did you enjoy playing when you were younger? What still brings you joy?

Whatever it is that you like to do for fun, we hope you take the time to do it today! After all, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a little nostalgia from time to time.