Nintendo of America and Macy’s announced that a new Mario balloon will be featured in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27. The balloon commemorates the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, which first launched in Japan in 1985. In addition, Nintendo revealed an early look into the 3D model of the new Mario balloon for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Mario balloon was created by Macy’s Parade Studio’s team of artists in partnership with Nintendo of America. The balloon measures 51-feet and 2-inches long, 37-feet wide and 43–feet and 8-inches tall. Nintendo’s iconic mascot will be striking a flying pose inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, which recently re-released in Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 for Nintendo Switch.
“Having Mario join this iconic holiday tradition is an incredible way to honor the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.,” said Devon Pritchard, EVP of Revenue, Marketing & Consumer Experience at Nintendo of America. “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.”
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has long been a stage for the world’s most beloved characters, and this year we’re thrilled to partner with Nintendo to welcome a new Mario balloon to that tradition,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “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.”
What’s more, the Nintendo NEW YORK store, which is located in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza near the iconic Christmas tree, will be decorated with festive décor. Fans at home can watch 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27 in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in all time zones.
