You know how we shine and gloat whenever our beautiful city is recognised internationally? A recent listing by Mashable has highlighted the most colourful cities and towns around the world. Obvs they were kind enough to include the delightful Bo Kaap – you know, that little neighbourhood that climbs up the CBD side of Signal Hill.

In an article from 2013 which Mashable cites, the question of why the houses were painted so was discussed.

When we became owners, we also had to maintain our houses on a small budget. Sometimes, people just had to use whichever paint was cheapest.

In earlier days, all the houses of Cape Town were painted white. The colours of the Bo-Kaap houses are partly linked to Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. Muslim people in the Bo-Kaap would paint their houses in preparation for the celebration of Eid, while Christian people would not.

Neighbours would often agree on what colours to use so as not to have a clash of shades.

Too cute.

Some other noteworthy cities mentioned were:

La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

Lisbon, Portugal

Chefchaouen, Morocco

[source: mashable]