Looking for an unusual day trip this Spring? Head to Juzcar, a charming Andalucian village known for its striking blue houses – Smurf Village!
Err, let me explain. Juzcar wasn’t always blue. In 2011, to promote the cartoon movie ‘The Smurfs’, the small village was painted sky blue for ceremonies and photo shoots. Large statues of the Smurfs and other props from the movie were placed around the village.
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While the initial plan was to repaint it white afterwards, the residents loved the new look and its surprising success – over 80,000 tourists flocked to see ‘Smurf Village’.
Sadly, in 2017 Juzcar’s right to use the Smurf name and franchise was removed, though Juzcar is still commonly known by Spaniards as Smurf Village (el pueblo de los pitufos). Officially the village rebranded itself as ‘La Aldea Azul’ – the blue village – but you’ll still find some remnants of Smurf props and merchandise dotted around.
And why was Júzcar chosen, you ask? Because the blue creatures called ‘Smurfs’ live in mushrooms and this village has an abundance of fungi – over 150 species. Just like the Smurfs’ mushroom houses, Juzcar is a haven for mushroom enthusiasts.
So ditch the usual tourist trail and explore this delightful blue village. You might even spot the one house (painted white) that refused to join in the Smurf transformation – Enjoy!
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.