Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures chose Juzcar, Spain, to host the world premiere of "The Smurfs," painting the town blue to turn it into the world's first Smurf village.

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Offbeat Traveler: Juzcar, Spain painted blue for ‘Smurfs’ movie

Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures chose Juzcar, Spain, to host the world premiere of “The Smurfs,” painting the town blue to turn it into the world’s first Smurf village. (Jorge Zapata / EPA)

A look at Juzcar before it was painted. The cozy village spans about 13 square miles and has about 200 residents. (José Hidalgo)

Tourists walk through Juzcar. (Sergio Torres / Associated Press)

Smurf figurines decorate the roof of a home. (Jorge Guerrero / AFP/Getty Images)

The bell tower of Santa Catalina Church, which dates back to the 16th century. (José Hidalgo)

A dozen workers used about 1,000 gallons of paint to transform Juzcar into a Smurf village. (Jorge Zapata / EPA)

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A statue of Hercules in Plaza del Socorro, a popular gathering spot in Juzcar. (Juan Pablo Olmo)

Painters coat a building in blue. (Jorge Guerrero / AFP/Getty Images)

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Offbeat Traveler: Juzcar, Spain painted blue for ‘Smurfs’ movie