Islas Canarias (1950s)

[Music] In the middle of the Gulf Stream off the west coast of Africa, the Canary Islands rise out of the ocean like the peaks of the fabulous Atlantic. is from times long past. These islands composed by volcanic matter have been known for their beauty and climate. There's no winter here, and the extreme summer heat is swept away by the cool northeasterly winds. Centuries ago, these islands, which now belong to Spain, were first discovered by the Greeks. [Music] Your first contact with the Canary Islands will be an exciting one. The islanders surround the ship with their souvenir- loaded boats. Then the bargaining begins. For in the South, an unwritten law says all must bargain. So, a little boat that one might prize goes at three rather than 8. [Music] For centuries, old wagons have rattled over the small cobblestones which cover its streets. [Music] Since water is very scarce, these little streams are covered with flowers to prevent evaporation. [Music] Flowers, bugas, sun, and warm breezes are part of the islander's everyday life. No wonder that the Greeks named these islands the happy islands. The annual mid temperature is 75° F. [Music] In the middle of all this beauty is the marketplace in St. Cruz. This is a fascinating one. And if you have some pacetas, bring them along, for the urge to buy is great here. Oranges, bananas, and tropical fruits exist in abundance. In the buried collection, one finds even ceramics, worn out tires, and flamboyant finery. [Music] But for some people the activity on the marketplace is too strenuous. And before he fell asleep, this beggar must have whispered the old saying of Spain, "Mñana mñana, let me do it tomorrow." If one gets a chance to jump in their street car, he may find himself in the vicinity of the Machadus Mountains. When Spain conquered the islands in the 15th century, the last battle was fought in the little village of La Laguna, which was the ancient capital of the Canary Islands. Large farms are located in the Mercedes Mountains, where volcanic soil is rarely as red as you see it. The old ways of plowing and oxes still exist. Bananas, tomatoes, and grapes are carefully cultivated. The national dish of the islands, goofio, is a mixture of flour and water. [Music] Of all the tropical fruits, bananas are the biggest export item of the Canary Islands. The banana plant matures in about 4 months, at which time the bunch weighs about 100 lb, and they're harvested throughout the year. The small water pipes carry the water from the reservoir to the plantation. When harvested, the plant is cut and used for feed for the animals. [Music] [Music] worship. shipment. Each bunch of bananas is wrapped carefully in thick paper and camels carry them down to the fruit exporting center of San Cruz, which also sends out large quantities of tomatoes, grapes, and dates to all parts of the world. [Music] Some miles north of the capital, one finds the little fishing village of St. Andre. The people of St. Andre build their own boats and fish along the west coast of Africa. Fishing is mostly done during the night. Net mending takes place during the day and much of the fish is salted and canned. [Music] [Music] along Ong the coastline, one sees the most primitive homes of the Canary Islands. Here, people live in caves in the mountains. It's believed that these peoples came from the north and settled here in this subtropical climate centuries ago. If one asks them if they're happy, well, they'll say that they prefer to live in these surroundings. Some of them have chosen the cave dwellings in preference to modern homes. [Music] A marked difference exists between these poor and rich dwellings that may be seen side by side here on the islands. The inhabitants of the Canary Islands are a sports-loving people. And if one likes to go swimming or sailing, he has unsurpassed opportunities in the islands. No winter or snow can stop him from doing exactly what you wish to do here in the sun, where you have everlasting summer. Heat. Heat. As the school year ends, students appear in their annual school performances. In their colorful national costumes, they recreate the old dances of the islands and add their bit to the enchantment that lingers with all visitors to these Canary Islands. Hello.