Wahoo! 51-Foot Mario Balloon Celebrating 40 Years Will Fly in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nintendo is sending a new Mario balloon down the streets of Manhattan next month to mark the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., and fans will be able to see it during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Balloon details
The giant Mario balloon is inspired by his flying look from Super Mario Galaxy. According to a news release, the balloon measures 51 feet and 2 inches long, 37 feet wide, and 43 feet and 8 inches tall. Those are the official numbers, straight from the announcement.
“Having Mario join this iconic holiday tradition is an incredible way to honor the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros,” EVP of revenue, marketing, and consumer experience at Nintendo of America Devon Pritchard said.
The announcement included a 3D render of the balloon for preview. 
When and where
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, Nov. 27 in New York City. It will be broadcast on NBC and will stream on Peacock, so viewers at home can watch live.
Context and history
This new balloon is part of Nintendo’s wider push for the 40th anniversary. For example, earlier this month two classic Mario titles were ported to the Nintendo Switch, and a new film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is set to release next spring.
Video game mascots and characters from other nerdy IP have become regulars in the Macy’s parade. Notably, Sonic the Hedgehog crashed into a lamppost during his 1993 parade debut.
Jordan Dabby, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade producer, said: “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.”
