New Mario Balloon to Debut at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game, Nintendo is expanding its festive presence with a spectacular new addition to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This grand new Mario balloon, designed after his aerial form from Super Mario Galaxy, promises to be a major highlight of the event, reinforcing Mario's status as a beloved cultural icon. The announcement underlines Nintendo's ongoing efforts to commemorate this significant milestone through various initiatives, including game ports and a new film, showcasing Mario's enduring legacy and widespread appeal.

Nintendo is going all out to celebrate four decades of its iconic plumber. Earlier this month, two of Mario's most celebrated adventures were made available on the Nintendo Switch, allowing a new generation of players to experience these classic titles. Furthermore, a new cinematic adaptation, 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie', is slated for release next spring, promising to bring Mario's cosmic escapades to the big screen. These initiatives collectively underscore Nintendo's dedication to honoring the character's rich history and continued influence in popular culture.

The centerpiece of this year's anniversary celebrations is undoubtedly the colossal new Mario balloon set to make its inaugural appearance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This impressive float draws inspiration from Mario's flight design as seen in Super Mario Galaxy, featuring dimensions of 51 feet and 2 inches in length, 37 feet in width, and 43 feet and 8 inches in height. This grand scale ensures that the balloon will be an unforgettable spectacle for parade-goers.

Devon Pritchard, Executive Vice President of revenue, marketing, and consumer experience at Nintendo of America, expressed enthusiasm for Mario's inclusion in this iconic holiday tradition. She highlighted that it serves as an incredible tribute to the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., acknowledging the character's lasting impact. The reveal was accompanied by a detailed 3D render of the balloon, offering a glimpse into its majestic design.

Echoing these sentiments, Jordan Dabby, a producer for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, emphasized the significance of Mario's participation. He noted that as Mario marks 40 years of inspiring players and families globally, his journey through Manhattan's streets represents both a historic milestone and a joyous festivity. Dabby anticipates that fans worldwide will be cheering 'Wahoo!' on Thanksgiving morning, celebrating this beloved character.

Over the years, various video game mascots and characters from popular culture have become regular features of the Thanksgiving parade, delighting audiences of all ages. While many have left their mark, few moments have been as memorable as Sonic the Hedgehog's unexpected incident in 1993, when his balloon famously crashed into a lamppost during its debut. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27th, in New York City, and will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, promising a grand display of festive floats and entertainment.