The Smurfs Village really exists: it’s Jùzcar, in Andalucia
Once upon a time, there was a region of Southern Spain named Andalucia, where almost all the traditional villages were painted bright white. There is actually one exception today, as the settlement of Jùzcar, inland from Màlaga, after being chosen to host the official World Premiere of the film the Smurfs 3D film, has been painted entirely in… blue!
The film, released by Sony, features the tiny, blue-hued animated characters attempting to return to their village after finding themselves in New York’s Central Park, after being chased out of their home village by an evil wizard.
This small Spanish village, in the autonomous community of Andalucia, was first painted blue in June as part of a promotion to celebrate the release of The Smurfs3D movie. It took a dozen painters and 1,000 gallons of paint to transform Jùzcar into a village that the Smurfs would feel at home in.
Sony promised that it would have restored the town’s buildings to their brilliant blanco after the premier party. But… there’s a But! Citizens in the Spanish town of Jùzcar have decided they should remain blue after going to the polls to settle the matter.
141 in favour to 33 against, the inhabitants of Jùzcar have undeniably decided that their homes should stay painted blue. The color transition proved so popular that locals decided to make this change permanent. Not only the revolution has given a boost to the local economy, but even people, headed by mayor David Fernández, aka “Papa Smurf”, feel happier being… blue!
“Thanks to being painted blue we are known throughout the world,” Fernández said. Numbers are up from around 300 a year to an estimated 80,000 people who have visited “Smurftown” since its makeover, and the village has enthusiastically embraced its new role, creating numerous events such as the Smurf moonlight fun run, a Smurf painting competitions and Smurf trade fairs. There are even Smurf-themed weddings and it’s not unusual seeing locals and tourists alike walking in the streets wearing a white hood.
Sometimes it takes “small” things to elicit big changes! Because there’s a place where even feeling blue… is a happy thing!
And they lived happily ever after…
Photo by manuelfloresv
About the Author
Daniela Hi, I am Daniela and I am passionate about creative languages - especially in advertising - voyages, wine&food and. .. shoes. I was born in Canada and now I live in Sicily, where I'm a travel and new trends writer and blogger, combining with this activity a strong devotion to the world of hotel hospitality. I also translate texts and websites in English and collaborate with several wineries being specialized in copywriting about wines and territories, interpreting and guided tours.
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