The pandemic empties the blue-toned Moroccan tourist town

CHEFCHAOUEN, Morocco (AP) – When COVID-19 arrived in Morocco, the mountainous city of Chefchaouen was one of the few that recorded no cases. The picturesque city, with its facades painted in different shades of blue, turned off its small population of the world and kept the virus out for months.

Now, as the North African nation cautiously reopens and tries to resurrect its struggling economy, Chefchaouen is subdued, abandoned by tourists who have been his blood for a long time.

In the narrow streets, idle young people light cannabis and chat, pausing to offer the sale to passersby. Fishermen bring their catch of the day from nearby rivers, selling sardines on street corners, while cats linger, waiting to be rewarded with leftovers. Children carry trays of pastries made by their families for sale.

During the Christmas and New Year festivities, most visitors to the city were local tourists rather than European and Chinese visitors who often cross the narrow streets. Shop owners who usually sell rugs, wool coats and souvenirs struggled to find customers.

When the nationwide curfew came into effect to avoid large gatherings during the holiday season, restaurants on the bustling main square of historic Kasbah had to divert 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 main destinations in the kingdom, often crowded, with hotels booked to capacity.

Its relaxed atmosphere, bright blue alleys, mountainous 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 Chefchaouen shutdown has led to some unexpected respite.

The absence of tourists placing photographs next to its iconic carved doors and distinctive staircases seemed to liberate one of Morocco’s most photographed spots, giving its residents a chance to slow down and soak up the tranquil beauty of their own city.

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