Prince Joseph Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

What people wore

New Year's Day tradition of new clothes

On New Year's Day, it was customary for everyone, even the poor, to make sacrifices to wear new clothes, such as a suit of brim, a dress of chita, or a simple skirt of riscado. People mended and washed their old rags, wearing them with joy as if they were received from God, embroidered with the gold of the sun and silver of the moon.

Getting around

Common city transport in Rio

In Rio de Janeiro, public transport included omnibuses drawn by four mules, while private carriages were often pulled by two mules or horses.

At the table

Angu: A Staple Food for the Poor

Angu, a staple made by boiling and mashing manioc or maize, was a common, energy-dense meal for poor residents and enslaved people, often eaten without cutlery.

Music

Persistence of batuque and black festivities

Black festivities such as the batuque were widespread and persisted despite church opposition, featuring rhythmic hand-clapping and the use of the viola. These dances, often lasting for hours, were integral to the social lives of the lower classes, who used them to maintain cultural bonds.

Daily life

Scarcity of water supply

Water was scarce in many homes, and residents relied on public fountains or backyard wells, often forcing neighbors to beg for a few drops of water when their supply ran dry.