We may have gotten a good idea of all the video game and movie celebrations Nintendo is having for the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., but one more little nugget has been announced. Mario will be making his first appearance as a balloon in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year on November 27 at 8:30 AM ET.
Yeah, you read that right, the most famous video game character of all time has yet to be included in the giant Thanksgiving parade in New York City, but he’s certainly not alone, as he is the fifth video game character to be represented after Sonic the Hedgehog, Pikachu, Eruptor from Skylanders, and Red from Angry Birds.
Super Mario Balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Above is a 3D render of what the new Mario balloon will look like in the Thanksgiving Day parade. The Nintendo press release states that the Macy’s balloon makers were inspired by Mario flying through space in Super Mario Galaxy. In Galaxy, his arms are much more spread out, which, of course, wouldn’t do well being pulled through the streets of New York, so they had to move them closer to his body.
In a quote talking about Mario’s debut, the upcoming new head of Nintendo America, Devon Pritchard, said the following:
“Having Mario join this iconic holiday tradition is an incredible way to honor the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Since he first emerged from a Warp Pipe, Mario has embodied our goal of bringing smiles to faces all over the world. We are excited for Mario fans of all ages to see his new balloon’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut.”
While it’s a bit blasphemous that Angry Birds and Skylanders got a balloon before the world’s most famous plumber, it’s great to see Mario join the fun at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Sonic, who has had multiple trips, and Pikachu, definitely have good company. Other notable balloons this year include Buzz Lightyear, Bluey, Goku, Pikachu and Eevee, Luffy, Shrek, and Minnie Mouse.
