National Marco Day is annually celebrated on July 14. The purpose of this day is to recognise and honour the unique contribution of Marcos to our existence. As we celebrate those with the name, it is a day to have joy and let our hair down. Marco is the Italian and Spanish form of the given name Mark as well as a derivative of Marcus. It is a masculine name with the meaning ‘warlike’ and ties to the Roman god of war, Mars. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Marco is among the top 500 most prevalent names, but has never cracked the top 100. In 2001, when it reached position 179, Marco was at its peak popularity. Now, let’s investigate the origins of the name Marco.
The background of National Marco Day
The origins of the Italian and Spanish cultures that gave rise to the name Marco, which has the meaning ‘warlike,’ are unknown. Due to the exploits of Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer who expanded trade routes to China, the name became well-known.
When Italian immigrants moved to the United States and introduced the name to their communities, the name grew in prominence in the United States. Due to its association with Marco Polo, the name inspires adventure, daring, and confidence. Between 1271 and 1295, Marco Polo was a merchant and explorer who travelled the Silk Road. His journeys were chronicled in “The Travels of Marco Polo,” and Eugene O’Neill based the play “Marco Millions” on his biography.
Although Marco Polo was not the first European to explore these regions, he was the first to leave a very detailed account of his travels. This invaluable information provided an overview of the geography and ethnic customs of the East to the Europeans. Marco Polo’s travels influenced Christopher Columbus and many other explorers, as well as contributed significantly to the development of European cartography.
Marco Polo has been commemorated in numerous ways, including the naming of a sheep strain after him. His name was bestowed to a three-masted clipper that was the first vessel to circumnavigate the globe in less than six months. A Venice airport is named after him, as is a frequent passenger programme known as ‘The Marco Polo Club.’ But let’s not neglect the worldwide children’s favourite game of Marco Polo.
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NATIONAL MARCO DAY ACTIVITIES
Take the day off and enjoy yourself.
Take the day off from work or school to honour your new status as Marco. You can take a staycation and enjoy your vacation time.
Visit a library or museum.
Visit a library or museum to learn more about the travels of Marco Polo. Learn more about this famous individual.
Perform Marco Polo
Play a game of Marco Polo outdoors or in a pool to release your inner child. Invite your companions and enjoy yourself.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MARCO POLO
“The Travels of Marco Polo” was written while he was incarcerated, as he dictated his life narrative to fellow inmate and author Rustichello.
Giovanni da Pian del Carpini reached China in the 1240s, more than 20 years before Polo left Europe.
Marco served as an envoy for the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan and had a close relationship with the Great Khan.
Marco lost a large portion of his fortune to the local government in Trebizond, which stole approximately 4,000 Byzantine gold coins during his return journey home.
Many Venetians were or began to develop scepticism regarding his stories.
NATIONAL MARCO DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 14 | Friday |
| 2024 | July 14 | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 14 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 14 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 14 | Wednesday |
