Guanches

The Guanches were the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. They lived there long before Europeans arrived, developing unique cultures and societies. Their origins are believed to trace back to North Africa or Berber groups, and they primarily practiced farming, herding, and spiritual traditions. When the Spanish arrived in the 15th century, many Guanches were assimilated, enslaved, or died from conflicts and diseases. Today, their descendants are part of the local population, and their history is recognized as a significant part of the Canary Islands' cultural heritage.