Not many people know this, but the ancient Greeks had already spoken very highly of the Canary Islands, which they called the Hesperides or the Fortunate Islands. In fact, experts believe that poets used this island as the basis for their description of the Elysian Fields.

And it isn’t surprising. The Canary Islands seemed to have all the elements of paradise: cool winds, pure and clean air, beautiful scenery, and the perfect weather and climate—it wouldn’t be exaggerating to call it “The Land of Eternal Spring”.

Unfortunately, modernization has left some changes on the island. While it is still very beautiful, naturally some flora and fauna were lost as the population expanded, and towns, then cities, then highways and super highways were built. But thankfully, the government has taken steps to preserve the Canary Island’s natural beauty and rich culture—especially by researching on the traditions of the island’s original aborigines.

Not much is known about the group. It is believed that they were Caucasians, with blond hair. However, there is evidence that they may have come from Northern Africa, and had ties to the Berbers. One sign of this is the evidence found by archaeologists that the community practiced mummification, which they may have learned from the Egyptian empire (which extended to Northern Africa).

The aboriginal communities were probably farmers and hunters, raising live stock and cattle, managing small plots of farm land, and gathering fruits and other produce from the nearby forests. They may also have been adept fishermen. Scientifists have found signs of irrigation and grain storage, especially in the Caves of Valeron (found in Guia) and the Caves of Visvique (found in Agaete). They probably grew barley, wheat, and arvejas, a kind of peas.

The communities probably raised sheep, pigs, and goats. The native pig of the Canary Islands is black, and the native sheep can not be found anywhere else in the world. These sheep have no wool, and were raised as a meat source. In fact, the Spaniards mistook them for goats. The aborigines called them pelebuey. Some species were brought to the Americas, but their origins lie here in the archipelago.