Festivities celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary have gotten underway in Boston, full of pomp and circumstance, military vehicles and equipment and fitness workouts.

The days-long celebration kicked off on Thursday and will last through the weekend at the Boston Common and Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade.

“This is a very special treat,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu told reporters after an opening ceremony, “a very rare occurrence, to have this display of the history of the Marines, the Marines themselves, and 250 years that is so intertwined, not only with the city of Boston, but our country’s founding.”

“You won’t want to miss what is here,” the mayor added, “and the opportunity to talk to and get to know some of the incredible leaders who are serving our country and who are giving so much to ensure that we all continue to have these cherished freedoms.”

Each morning through Sunday, the public is invited to participate in a workout led by the Marines beginning at 7 a.m. at the Hatch Shell. Exercises are “suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance, and coordination.”

Afterwards, the Marines will commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation with daily wreath-laying ceremonies dedicated to landmark conflicts in the Corps’ history.

The ceremonies will be held at the Common’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument at 9 a.m.

Throughout the day, Marine Corps aircraft and equipment will be on display at the Common between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Attendees will get the chance to try on parachutes, interact with the aircraft, participate in a pull-up challenge, check out camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon.

The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Corps and the start of Marine Week Boston. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)
Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney addresses attendees at the Marine Week Boston opening ceremony. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)
Marines showcase military vehicles and equipment, inviting attendees to climb in and explore as part of the static display unveiled during the Marine Week Boston opening ceremony. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)