Smurfs banned from blue Spanish village that hosted film premiere
A Spanish village has been banned from calling itself the home of the Smurfs.
The tiny Andalusian enclave of Júzcar, which is home to only 250 people, was painted blue in 2011 as part of a publicity stunt by Sony Pictures to promote The Smurfs 3D movie.
Once a traditional white village, every building in the picturesque spot changed its look to sport the distinctive Smurf blue, in what was supposed to be a temporary measure.
But tourism started to develop in the area, with visitors travelling to see the magical realm and locals voted to stick with the new colour. They organised Smurf themed events, murals and sculptures appeared and some even dressed up as the blue, hat-clad creatures.
As one of the most recognisable villages in Spain and at around an hour’s drive from the coast, newly blue Júzcar began attracting up to 80,000 tourists a year.
This led to a dispute between the town hall and the heirs of Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, the Belgian artist who created the Smurf comics. It was believed to be settled when locals agreed to pay 12 per cent to the Culliford estate on all Smurf related royalties.
However, last week the council of Júzcar announced that from 15 August all Smurf related activities and references to Smurfs must cease.
The information, posted online, was headed “important information for tourists” and announced that the village had “lost the authorization to market itself as a Smurf town.” It added that: “From Tuesday 15 August there will be no more statues or references to that brand”.
There was no further explanation from the council about the events that led up to this decision and they have said they "have nothing further to comment" on the matter.
Sony Pictures originally chose the village as it is famous for its fungi, which grow in the surrounding hills, and Smurfs are known for their love of mushrooms.
