The pandemic empties the Moroccan tourist city with shades of blue

CHEFCHAOUEN, Morocco (AP) – When COVID-19 hit Morocco, the mountain town of Chefchaouen was one of the few that did not register cases. The picturesque city, its facades painted in distinctive shades of blue, closed to the world’s small population and kept the virus out for months.

Now, as the North African nation cautiously reopens and tries to revive its struggling economy, Chefchaouen remains submissive, deserted by the tourists who have long been his lifeblood.

On the narrow streets, young people light up their cannabis joints in vain and talk, stopping to offer the sale of some to passers-by. Fishermen bring their catch of the day from nearby rivers, selling sardines on street corners, as cats are expected to be rewarded with leftovers. Children carry trays of pastries made by their families to sell.

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, most visitors to the city were local tourists, instead of European and Chinese visitors, who usually walked the narrow streets. Store owners who usually sell carpets, wool coats and souvenirs have struggled to find customers.

As a nightmare came into force across the country to prevent large gatherings during the holiday season, restaurants in the main square, usually lively, in the historic Kasbah, had to remove customers to close. early.

In the Middle Ages, the city was populated by Moors, or Moors, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Today, it is known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco” and is one of the top destinations in the kingdom, often overcrowded, with capacity hotels.

Its relaxed vibe, bright blue alleys, sweeping mountain landscape and hiking trails have long attracted tourists, especially from Spain and China, whose citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Morocco.

Despite the specter of the pandemic, which has killed more than 7,000 people in Morocco and depressed the economy, the closure of Chefchaouen has brought some unexpected respite.

The absence of tourists posing for photos near its iconic carved doors and distinctive staircases seems to liberate one of the most photographed places in Morocco, giving its inhabitants the chance to slow down and absorb the peaceful beauty of their own city.

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