How do Pokémon celebrate special events and milestones in the games and anime?

**Celebrate Move**: The “Celebrate” move was introduced in Generation VI as a Normal-type, non-damaging move.

It is specifically designed to be used on the player's birthday, with the Pokémon congratulating the player.

**Event-Specific Moves**: Certain Pokémon can learn event-specific moves, like "Celebrate," which are tied to special occasions, showcasing a connection between the game mechanics and real-life celebrations.

**Pokémon Day**: Fans celebrate Pokémon Day on February 27 each year, marking the anniversary of the franchise's original release.

Many players participate in in-game events and special distributions of Pokémon.

**Anniversary Celebrations**: Major anniversaries, like the 25th anniversary in 2021, are celebrated with special events, including the release of themed merchandise, in-game events, and expansions in the trading card game.

**Festivals in the Games**: Various Pokémon games feature in-game festivals that act as celebrations, like the Pokémon Festival in “Pokémon Sun and Moon,” where players can enjoy contests and activities with their Pokémon.

**Pokémon Contests**: Some games introduce contests, where Pokémon can perform in front of an audience, receiving points based on their moves and appeal.

These are a form of celebration of their abilities and skills.

**Region-Specific Celebrations**: Different regions in Pokémon games have their own unique cultural events, like the Battle Frontier in "Pokémon Emerald", showcasing how different cultures within the Pokémon world celebrate achievements.

**Anime Celebrations**: In the Pokémon anime, birthdays and milestones are often celebrated through episode narratives, showcasing a more personal story of the trainers and their Pokémon.

**Pokémon Parties**: The animation includes episodes where trainers throw parties for their Pokémon to celebrate milestones and achievements, revealing interpersonal dynamics within Pokémon friendships.

**Pokémon Center Events**: Pokémon Centers often host special events and community gatherings, where players can participate in mini-games or special giveaways based on real-life holidays or Pokémon lore.

**Dynamic Events**: Certain Pokémon games include dynamic events, where players can experience unique challenges or storylines during real-world holidays, making celebrations feel more integrated into gameplay.

**Seasonal Themes**: Many Pokémon games feature seasonal themes that alter the environment and gameplay, reminiscent of seasonal celebrations seen in real life.

For example, winter themes might occur during December, featuring holiday decorations.

**Pokémon Trading Card Game Events**: The Pokémon TCG holds Championship Series events, which act as annual celebrations of the competitive community, with players participating in tournaments that culminate in a world championship.

**Influence of Real-World Cultures**: Many Pokémon celebrations draw inspiration from real-world cultures, utilizing festivals like Tanabata or Christmas as thematic backdrops in various games and events.

**Incorporation of Mythology**: Celebrations in the Pokémon universe often tie back to regional mythology, with special Pokémon involved in local folklore being the focus of specific in-game festivities.

**Milestone Events**: Some Pokémon can demonstrate growth and change throughout their lives, marking celebratory moments when they evolve or reach new levels of friendship with their trainers.

**Cultural Representation**: Events in Pokémon games introduce players to cultural traditions, affecting gameplay mechanics such as contests, competitions, and community-building exercises in the game.

**Online Celebrations**: With advancements in online capabilities, Pokémon now allows for community events where players can gather virtually to celebrate milestones, sometimes featuring exclusive rewards or Pokémon.

**Interactive Celebrations**: Some games have incorporated AR (Augmented Reality) elements to make celebration events more interactive, allowing players to interact with Pokémon in real-world settings during special events.

**Legendary Pokémon Events**: Legendary Pokémon often play a crucial role in significant events in the lore, representing power and essential themes that certain celebrations revolve around, highlighting the connection between characters and their worlds.