Morocco’s Blue City (inspiration from abroad)
Morocco is a land far away, but there is a lot to learn from this ancient country. Chefchaouen is known as ‘the blue city’, as all houses and shops are painted different shades of blue.
It’s believed the blue-washed walls were first introduced by Jewish refugees in the Rif Mountains, to symbolise heaven. The name of the city comes from a word meaning to ‘look at the horns’ (of surrounding mountain peaks).
Until the 1920s, it was a holy city where non-Muslims were forbidden to enter. Many residents still speak Spanish (a ‘Spanish mosque’ sits on a hill overlooking the town).
The area is known for its colourful straw hats and growing cannabis. And also a community that feeds stray cats, with fish from local rivers.
Donkeys remain a main form of transport in Morocco. So donate to The Donkey Sanctuary, which uses funds to help rescue, medically treat and educate people who use donkeys for work or transport abroad.
Barbary macaque monkeys are native to Morocco, known for their female-led structure (dads carry the babies!) They live here in the Atlas mountains and also in Gibraltar. They need help from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Read more on how to help prevent wildlife crime.
