Global Smurfs Day was held on 22nd June 2013 to mark Smurfs creator Peyo’s birthday. The day was highlighted by a worldwide Smurf Ambassadors initiative, which began in Brussels as Veronique Culliford, Peyo’s daughter, appointed Smurf Ambassadors from 28 different countries – including India - and dispatched them to Paris, where much of The Smurfs 2 takes place. The ambassadors dressed as Smurfs and then boarded their Smurfs-themed Thalys train for Paris.
In Paris, a huge flash mob greeted them by dancing to Britney Spears’ song “Ooh La La” from the film’s soundtrack – with a little help from Silvia Notargiacomo, choreographer of the French version of “Dancing with the Stars.” The ambassadors also got to take a goodwill tour of Paris.
Ambassadors who travelled to Brussels and Paris included a wide range of Smurf fans, including television personalities, voice talent, choreographers, contest winners, and journalists -- and not least, characters Tapu and Champak Lal (Dadaji) from the top rated show on India’s SAB TV - “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah”. The show will be integrating the Global Smurfs Day celebration in Brussels and Paris into its storyline in July, ensuring that even their fictional characters Tapu and Champak Lal pay homage to the Smurfs. [Click here to view images: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151511786788549.1073741844.101375188548&type=1] Locally in India as well, Smurfs characters visited malls received by delighted kids who were also treated to a Smurf flash mob dancing to the new Britney Spears song “Ooh La La” from the soundtrack and contributed to create a hand-printed Smurf on a 20 foot canvas. Popular kids channel Chutti TV celebrated Global Smurfs Day with an on air contest and a screening of the first Smurfs film. [Click here to view images: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151506125528549.1073741843.101375188548&type=1]
But the Ambassadors’ tour was just the beginning, as people in countries around the world celebrated this special day. Iconic locations visited by the Smurfs include the beaches of Athens; Dublin’s Ha’Penny Bridge and Moscow’s Gorky Park, which were covered in Smurf-blue flowers to celebrate; Australia’s Surfers Paradise, where city signage was actually changed to Smurfers Paradise for the day; the busy tramways of Hong Kong; Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa; in China, Smurf figurines took over the world-famous Great Wall and other iconic locations around the country.
Elsewhere, Smurfs signed a giant birthday card for Peyo in Mexico City; visited children’s hospitals in Finland; painted Portuguese neighborhoods and South African orphanages blue; and joined the group Right Said Fred in a sing-along in London.
Finally, in Los Angeles, Neil Patrick Harris, star of The Smurfs 2, was on hand at the Grove as families enjoyed the day with appearances by the Smurfs, played the Ubisoft video game, sampled Menchie’s Smurfberry frozen yogurt, checked out the environmentally friendly, 100% electric Smurf-ified DASH cars, and participated in other fun activities. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council’s Discover the Forest campaign was be on hand to distribute activity booklets and encourage children and their families to get outside and experience the many benefits of nature. In the evening, families caught the first Smurfs film at an evening outdoor screening.
