Ekans Leads Pokemon's Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon is ringing in the Lunar New Year of 2025 with a special celebration centered around the Year of the Snake, featuring an animated short with Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this heartwarming video and learn how The Pokémon Company is marking this festive occasion.

Pokemon Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Releases an Animated Short, Featuring a Shiny Ekans and Arbok

On January 29, 2025, Pokémon's YouTube channel unveiled a delightful animated short in honor of the Lunar New Year, celebrating the Year of the Snake. This short story captures the playful antics of two Ekans dangling from a tree, with one showcasing its Shiny variant. In a charming twist, the Shiny Ekans tumbles onto a passing Arbok and evolves after facing a playful threat from its companions. The newly evolved Shiny Arbok, gleaming in gold, leads the other Arboks out of the forest, leaving a trail of admiration and nostalgia among viewers.

The video resonated deeply with the Pokémon community, evoking a range of emotions. One fan poignantly remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," capturing the essence of the brief yet touching encounter between the Ekans. Another viewer drew parallels to childhood friendships, emphasizing that differences in appearance don't hinder the bond between the two Pokémon.

The nostalgia hit home for many, with one fan reminiscing about their first encounter with a Shiny Ekans in Pokémon Gold and Silver, expressing regret over not catching it but delight in reconnecting through this animated short.

In addition to the animated short, The Pokémon Company has planned various events and merchandise to enhance the Lunar New Year festivities.

Pokemon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

Pokemon GO kicked off its Lunar New Year event on January 9, 2025, as part of the Dual Destiny season, running from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025. This event boosts the encounter and Shiny rates for snake-like Pokémon, including Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. Notably, Darumaka, though more humanoid, draws inspiration from the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

The event also features themed Field Research tasks and special 2 km Eggs, which can hatch into Makuhita, Nosepass, Meditite, Duskull, and Skorupi. Additionally, a themed Timed Research offers players the chance to earn rare Zygarde Cells, essential for transforming Zygarde's forms.