My most favourite cartoon in the world — the Smurfs — celebrated their 50 years throughout 20 cities in Europe. The Smurfs are very international, originating in France on 23 October 1958. The first publication of the Smurfs, or better known as the Schtroumpfs, appeared in the Belgian newspaper Spirou in French.
The Smurfs are known by different names around the world:
- French — Schtroumpfs
- English — Smurfs
- Spanish — Pitufos
- Finnish — Smurffit
On television in the USA, the Smurfs endured 16 seasons with 272 episodes — which I have probably seen all of :) — produced by Hanna Barbera.
I actually have a collectible Smurfs pendant that my mother bought me as a child. I still have it. I'm not even sure which Smurf it is but I'm happy I still have it.
My favourite Smurf? Brainy Smurf — he always messed up even though he thought he knew it all. And Grumpy. And Smurfette. Well, I actually loved them all. And Papa Smurf — the big daddy of all Smurfs.
If you're a fan or not, it's interesting to look back at what made this cartoon so enduring across languages, countries and generations. There is something universal about a little blue creature trying to figure out its place in the world — which I think most of us can relate to.
Here's to 50 more years, Smurfs.