[www.keralites.net] Global Smurfs Day

The Smurfs (French: Les Schtroumpfs) is a comic and television franchise centered on a group of small blue fictional creatures called Smurfs, created and first introduced as a series of comic strips by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo (pen name of Pierre Culliford) on October 23, 1958. The original term and the accompanying language came during a meal Peyo was having with his colleague and friend André Franquinin which, having momentarily forgotten the word "salt", Peyo asked him (in French) to pass the schtroumpf. Franquin replied: "Here's the Schtroumpf — when you are done schtroumpfing, schtroumpf it back" and the two spent the rest of that weekend speaking in schtroumpf language. The name was later translated into Dutch as Smurf, which was adopted in English.

Hundreds of New Yorkers paint themselves BLUE to celebrate Global Smurfs Day

If you thought you saw a handful of giant Smurfs wandering around today, then don't worry - you weren't hallucinating.

Hundreds gathered at South Street Seaport in New York as they joined dedicated fans in ten other cities to smash the world record for the biggest gathering of Smurfs in 24 hours.

More than 4,000 people across the world embraced blue face paint and turned themselves into the Belgian cartoon characters in honour of Global Smurfs Day.

Dedicated fans: Hundreds of people gather at South Street Seaport in New York to celebrate Global Smurfs Day

A total of 4,891 people took up the challenge in 11 cities, including London, Moscow and Mexico City, smashing the previous record of 2,510.

A vision in blue: Hundreds of fans pray their face paint won't melt as they gather at South Street Seaport in New York for Global Smurfs Day to celebrate what would have been the 83rd birthday of the cartoon's creator

Mummy, why is everyone blue? A Mexican Smurfette, left, carries her son and right, a Emer McCrum dresses up as the blonde character in Dublin, Ireland, where 428 people turned themselves into the cartoon characters

Will you be my Smurfette? A Mexican couple get into the Smurf spirit at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City

The event was arranged by Sony to publicise its new movie The Smurfs, released on Friday. It was timed to celebrate what would have been 83rd birthday of Peyo, the cartoon's Belgian creator.

The film features the diminutive, blue-hued animated characters attempting to return to their village after finding themselves in New York's Central Park.

In London giant-sized Smurfs gathered at the O2 arena, and in Ireland, 428 fans flocked to Dublin - making it the city with the most Smurfs.

Marc Weinstock, president of Sony Pictures Entertainment marketing, said: 'It's a thrill to see so many people turn out to be a part of this true fan moment in Smurfs history. 

Record-breakers: Dublin, Ireland, managed the most Smurfs, with 428 fans in full blue regalia

Patriotic Smurfs: Fans wave Union Jacks as they gather at the O2 Centre in London, England

Birthplace: Hundreds of blue-painted fans gather in Brussels, Belgium - home of the Smurfs

'Breaking a Guinness World Record on Global Smurfs Day is a testament to the enormous appeal and popularity of these beloved characters.'

Last week the village of Juzcar, in Andalucia, went even further - and turned itself Smurf-coloured.

Its houses are traditionally white-washed, but in honour of the pint-sized characters residents painted every single wall a bright shade of blue.

Courtesy : Mail Online, AFP, Getty Images, Wikipedia

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