The Smurfs chose to launch the series of events celebrating their fiftieth anniversary during the International Comics Festival in Angoulême. Indeed, throughout 2008 and in partnership with the UNICEF, the Smurfs will act as the official spokesmen for children's rights, through a great family exhibition.

By hosting the first public presentation of this heritage event, the Angoulême Festival will open this "blue jubilee". The exhibition will take place in two different locations (Youth Area and Town's Hall). These sites will showcase 24 large illustrated and multifaceted boards as well as stands dedicated to the Smurfs' world.

Eventually, a great surprise operation will spread to the whole Festival, to the great delight of the Smurfs' lovers. Let's keep the suspense till the end, but imagine that Gargamel himself would have cherished the idea...

It is also worth noting that the International Comics Festival in Angoulême initiated the partnership between the Smurfs and the Unicef which actively promotes the defence of children's rights all over the world. Throughout the year to come, Peyo's characters will promote and support the 10 fundamental children's rights: a whole set of drawings which present the Smurfs in everyday life will illustrate the absolute need to respect these fundamental rights.