Having been the cathartic coping mechanism of the entire gaming community in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons looks to be continuing its carefree living sim in the form of another content-filled update. The game’s touted January update looks to introduce a number of new in-game items and events to the proceedings, most notably the Animal Crossing series’ festive take on Mardi Gras called Festivale.

Arriving in an update on January 28th, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will begin rolling out a handful of celebrations from then and through the rest of February. Festivale is set to begin on February 15th, featuring the fabulously energetic Pavé the Dancer wh will begin throwing down some moves in the plaza. The occasion will also task players with collecting a variety of multi-colored feathers hidden around the island. Completing this activity will yield a “passionate dance” from Pavé, which is sure to be a treat.

When Festivale arrives on 2/15, colorful feathers will be floating on your island. Catch them with your net, give them to Pave, and he’ll perform a passionate dance! You’ll also want to keep an eye out for feathers with a rare color…#AnimalCrossing#ACNH pic.twitter.com/PZp8NkwISk

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 26, 2021

As per Nintendo, the next month will also see the introduction of festive reactions like the Viva Festival Reaction Set as well as a number of limited-time clothing items from the Able Sisters shop beginning February 1st. In addition to Festivale, several other holidays will also be represented in Animal Crossing: New Horizons during the next month. Nook shopping areas are set to be stocked with season items based on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2nd), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14th), as well as the “Big Game Celebration” (Feb. 7th) taking place throughout the month.

In addition to the monthly update for January/February, the next Animal Crossing: New Horizons update was also teased for sometime in March. While this means well over a month before the next batch of content arrives, Nintendo appears to have teased Super Mario might be involved with the March update. A tease left at the end of Big N’s announcement featured the appearance of a Mushroom and a Super Star, indicating the mustachioed plumber’s all-but-spelled-out arrival.

It appears that Mario isn’t the only debut Animal Crossing players have to look forward to in March. Nintendo has also announced the ​​Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack, a new amiibo card pack set to arrive in the US on March 26th. The pack will include six amiibo cards, with each featuring compatibility with multiple AC games. Specifics are currently available at this time, but Nintendo assures more details will be revealed ahead of release.

The Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack comes to the US for the first time on 3/26, exclusively at @Target! You’ll be able to use these vibrantly designed amiibo cards in compatible games. @Sanrio #ACNH pic.twitter.com/SVqQSekQTj

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 26, 2021

Animal Crossing New Horizons is out now for Nintendo Switch.

What do you think? Are you excited to get your groove on in Festivale, or are you just curious about how Mario will arrive in Animal Crossing New Horizons? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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