If you were to guess where the first real world village of the lovable blue folk known as Smurfs would spring up, you probably would not say Abu Dhabi — or maybe you would, as they seem to be one of the few countries with money to burn on a project like a Smurf Village.
The cerulean-hued hamlet will be part of ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi,’ a display at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, sporting 12 districts and attractions like Papa Smurf’s Story Corner. Smurfette, the only female in the village, will be represented with “Smurfette’s Land of Beauty.”
“Part of Smurf legend is that outsiders cannot find their village except when shown the way by a smurf; thankfully Summer in Abu Dhabi has solved this problem,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the festival. “The Smurf Village is only one component of what we believe is our most exciting ADNEC activation yet. There really is something for everyone – young or old.”
Visitors will be able to enter Smurf “mushroom houses” to enhance the Smurf-like elements of the display.
Other licensed characters on display over the summer in Abu Dhabi include SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, Thor, Wolverine, Captain America, and Dr. Doom.
The Smurf village is only one of a rainbow of Smurf events culminating in the end of all time the debut of the Smurf movie on July 29th. This Saturday, June 25th, is Global Smurf Day, celebrating the birthday of creator, cartoonist Peyo.
On that day, people in 12 cities around the globe will attempt to set a record for the most people covered in blue and dressed as Smurfs. Click on the link to take part and become part of history.
The Smurfs movie stars Hank Azaria as Gargamel and the voice of Katy Perry as Smurfette. It is being presented in 3D. It will be horrible.
I asked Papa Smurf for a comment and he said:
“As the leading representative of the Smurf people, I can tell you that we would never support a regime with such a poor human rights record.”
He then gave me a handful of sarsaparilla leaves to chew on and bid me good-day.
The linked article says it will be the first Smurf village, but anyone who grew up in Ontario, Canada knows that there was a Smurf village at Canada’s Wonderland theme park until the early 90’s. It had Smurf houses, rides, merch and blue ice cream.
There was also a Smurf Village in Great America in Northern CA!