Nintendo is going all-out to mark the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros.. Earlier this month two landmark Mario titles were ported to the Nintendo Switch, and a new feature, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is slated for release next spring. Still, Friday’s reveal may be the boldest celebration yet: Mario is getting a brand-new parade balloon.
The oversized Mario balloon is scheduled to debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City next month. Modeled after Mario’s flying appearance from Super Mario Galaxy, the balloon’s dimensions are listed as “51 feet and 2 inches long, 37 feet wide, and 43 feet and 8 inches tall,” according to a news release.
Devon Pritchard, EVP of revenue, marketing, and consumer experience at Nintendo of America, said the company is thrilled to have Mario join the parade. The announcement was released alongside a 3D render of the balloon.
Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, commented, “As Mario celebrates 40 years of inspiring players and families worldwide, his flight down the streets of Manhattan is both a historic milestone and a joyful celebration — one sure to have fans everywhere cheering ‘Wahoo!’ this Thanksgiving morning.”
Characters from video games and other pop-culture franchises have become regulars at the Thanksgiving parade. Still, few moments are as infamous as Sonic the Hedgehog’s 1993 mishap, when the character collided with a lamppost during his debut.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, Nov. 27 in New York City. The event will be broadcast on NBC and will stream on Peacock.
Source: Polygon
