Over the weekend, on June 22nd, people from all around the world took part in festivities to celebrate the lovable little blue characters known as Smurfs in a worldwide event being called Global Smurfs Day. In Rome, Italy, over 4,000 sculptures of the curious blue characters were scattered throughout the city, around famous landmarks and tourist hotspots like the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo, and Piazza di Spagna.
The “blue invasion” (as some are calling it) is a festive commemoration of Pierre Culliford, aka Peyo, the Belgian artist who originated The Smurfs. Like tiny soldiers, the miniature figures could be seen parading about the Eternal City on the streets as well as atop city staples like the Trevi Fountain and even taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Of course, in addition to celebrating Global Smurfs Day, the public installation is also a clever advertising tactic in anticipation of the franchise's sequel film, The Smurfs 2, which is scheduled to premiere in Italy on September 26th.
