Smurf village for a day

No, don't adjust your screen, it really is a "pueblo azul" (blue village) in the Genal Valley, just south of Ronda.

Júzcar has been transformed and chosen by the electronics giant Sony to host tomorrow's world premiere of the new Smurf film "The Smurfs in 3D".

I heard of the transformation when I bumped into friends Eric and Tony in Olvera, who had been walking in the area, and also from other friends who had seen it on Olvera TV.

So at just after 8.15 this morning, we drove through beautiful scenery to the village, arriving at just after 10am.

The pueblo is quite small with approximately 220 inhabitants and is one of many that cling to the hillsides in the valley. All of the others though are white.
It was quite easy to find a parking place although tomorrow may be quite different. Talking to a local resident, she said that lots of TV crews and visitors were expected, with many activities planned throughout the day.

Wandering around though, it felt really strange as every building had been painted blue.

However, it seems that many of the villagers quite like the transformation and would be pleased for it to remain after mid-September, when it is due to revert back to its normal white colour.
The publicity created has brought economic and employment benefits to the inhabitants and it's considered that as a tourist attraction, Júzcar
is quite unique and could benefit for quite a while after the world premiere.
It's certainly different.






We sat for a while on a beautiful day in the very pleasant Bar Torricheli trying to take it all in.








A couple of painters, still working to ensure all is ready for the big day.

This stone plaque of the village coat of arms (escudo) was on a house near to the Casa Consistorial (Council House) below.

Old or new, its got to be blue!













The Iglesia de Santa Catalina was originally built in the 16th century but has in recent times undergone several improvements.

Not as ornate as many Churches we have visited, it was however refreshingly simple in its decor and obviously well cared for.

Even without its unique colour, Júzcar would be well worth a visit as it's a very pleasant, clean and friendly village.

If you're thinking of attending the world premiere tomorrow, I suggest you arrive early as it looks like it's going to be a fun day.