Ekans Leads Pokemon's Year of the Snake Celebration

Pokémon celebrates the Year of the Snake with a captivating 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 an enchanting animated short to commemorate the Lunar New Year, heralding the Year of the Snake.

The video showcases a light-hearted interaction between two Ekans perched in a tree, with one being a dazzling Shiny variant. The Shiny Ekans, captivated by its surroundings, tumbles onto a passing Arbok, only to evolve amidst the playful threats of its companions. The newly evolved Shiny Arbok, now recognized by the others, leads them out of the forest, leaving a lasting impression.

This brief yet emotionally charged video resonated deeply with fans. One viewer remarked, "Even though we were able to meet, it’s sad to say goodbye," capturing the bittersweet essence of the Ekans' fleeting encounter. Another fan highlighted the universal theme of friendship, noting that despite their differences in appearance, the Ekans bonded instantly, much like children.

Many viewers felt a wave of nostalgia seeing the Shiny Pokémon, reminiscing about their first encounters in Pokémon Gold and Silver. One fan shared, "When I was playing Gold and Silver, the first Pokémon of a different color I encountered was Arbo. It ran away from me at the time, 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 rolled out a variety of events and merchandise to enhance the Lunar New Year festivities.

Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year Event

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

Players can expect increased encounters with Ekans, Onix, Gyarados, Dratini, Dunsparce, Snivy, and Darumaka. While Darumaka might seem more humanoid, its design draws inspiration from the Daruma doll, symbolizing good luck and perseverance.

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