Every year on June 25th, we celebrate Global Smurfs Day! This special day was created to commemorate the international popularity of the Smurfs, and to promote awareness and appreciation for this beloved cartoon character group.
The Smurfs are a famous cartoon franchise that originated in Europe in the late 1950s. The characters starred in an acclaimed animated TV series from 1981-1989, and since then they have continued to appear in various comic books, video games, advertisements, and other merchandise.
Today, there are over 120 different countries that recognize Global Smurfs Day as a special holiday! In honor of this special day, we've compiled a list of interesting facts about these little blue creatures.
The History of the Smurfs
In the mid-1900s, a Belgian artist named Pierre "Peyo" Culliford created a series of cartoon characters called “The Smurfs.” The Smurfs live in mushroom-shaped homes in the Smurf Forest and are usually always happy. They enjoyed farming, playing music, and eating smurfberries.
In 1961, an animated TV series about the Smurfs was first created. The singular season contained nine episodes and introduced new characters such as Brainy Smurf, Gargamel, and Vanity. The Smurfs were revived again in an animated series that ran from 1981-1989. In 2011, The Smurfs made their American big-screen debut in The Smurfs Movie, which was directed by Raja Gosnell and starred Neil Patrick Harris as the main human character. Since then, there have been two sequels: The Smurfs 2 (2013) and Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017). In early 2022, it was reported that Paramount Pictures was pursuing another animated Smurfs film.
The Different Types of Smurfs
There are many different types of Smurfs, each with their own unique personality and appearance. The most famous Smurfs are the blue Smurfs, who live in a forest filled with friendly animals. But, you'd be surprised to know that there is also the green Smurfs, who live in a valley populated by flowers and trees. There are even yellow Smurfs, who live in a hot desert. There are purple smurfs too, who are known for saying "gnap! gnap! gnap!" Whether you’re a fan of all colors or just one, there’s sure to be a type of Smurf that appeals to you on Global Smurf Day.
How the Smurfs are Celebrated Around the World
Since the Smurfs were first created in the 1950s, they have become an international symbol of joy and happiness. For children all over the world, the Smurfs are a beloved part of their childhood memories. On June 25th, people all over the world celebrate Global Smurf Day in honor of these little blue creatures.
In Belgium, where the Smurfs originated, they are celebrated with a daylong festival that includes performances by famous singers and dancers, as well as food vendors selling traditional French dishes like boudin blanc and tarte au sucre. In Italy, there is a parade in honor of the Smurfs called “La Promenade des Délicats” which features floats decorated with colorful cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Simpsons. In Spain, there is a carnival-themed event called “El Día de los Cómics” which features costumed characters from different comic book series like Spiderman and Batman. Throughout Central America, there are festivals dedicated to different characters from popular children’s books including Dr. Seuss and Winnie The Pooh.
The Smurfs are an adorable and beloved worldwide phenomenon. Let's hope this year's Global Smurfs Day is just as exciting as ever!
