BEATING THE BLUES

A town in France gave new meaning to Les Bleus when close to 3 000 people dressed as Smurfs in an attempt to set a world record

- NOKUTHULA ZWANE-EJIKE

PAPA Smurf with his white beard, Mama Smurf in her red hat, their daughter Smurfette with her cascading locks of blonde hair – they’re here along with all their friends, prancing around in all their blue-skinned glory.

In fact, over 2 500 Smurfs in all shapes and sizes recently filled the streets of Landerneau, France, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the beloved cartoon characters who’ve delighted generations of people with their antics in their mushroom-shaped forest homes.

It was all done in the name of fun – and in a bid to break the world record for the largest Smurf gathering.

France has been having a tough time lately, plagued by nationwide protests against the government’s decision to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The country needed some cheer, which is why bar owner Benoit Kermarec (59) donned a blue T-shirt and white cap to join the parade.

“It’s nice, it’s a good atmosphere,” he says. “Everyone loves it. It allows us to have fun. These days it’s not easy.”

At least one fifth of the coastal town’s 15 000 residents braved bad weather, and many businesses and street vendors join- ed the festivities by decorating their windows with Smurf figurines, posters and stickers.