Ekans Joins Pokemon's Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon celebrates the Year of the Snake with a special animated short featuring the snake Pokémon Ekans and Arbok. Dive into the details of this heartwarming video and discover how The Pokémon Company is marking the Lunar New Year of 2025.

Pokémon 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 captivating animated short to honor the Lunar New Year, celebrating the Year of the Snake.

This charming video showcases a light-hearted exchange between two Ekans perched in a tree, one of them a dazzling Shiny variant. As the Shiny Ekans becomes enchanted and falls onto a passing Arbok, it evolves amidst a playful threat from its peers. Recognized as one of their own, the other Arboks follow the golden Shiny as it departs the forest.

Despite its brief duration, the short tugged at the heartstrings of many viewers. One fan poignantly remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," reflecting on the fleeting encounter between the Ekans. Another fan drew parallels to children, noting that despite their different appearances, the Ekans quickly bonded, showcasing a heartwarming message of inclusivity.

The animated short also evoked nostalgia among fans, with some reminiscing about their first encounter with a Shiny Ekans in Pokémon Gold and Silver. One user shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. It ran away from me, and I was unable to catch it, something I still regret. However, I am very happy that we were able to meet again like this!"

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

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

On January 9, 2025, Pokémon GO announced its Lunar New Year event, boosting the encounter and Shiny rates of snake-like Pokémon. This event is part of the Dual Destiny season, running from December 3, 2024, to March 4, 2025.

Players can expect increased encounters with Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. Although Darumaka appears more humanoid, it draws inspiration from the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

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