John IV of Portugal

Music

Mourisca Dancers Received 500 Réis for Refreshments

In Braga, dancers performing the Moorish-style dance known as the mourisca were given 500 réis for refreshments during St. John the Baptist festivities. Failure to pay this amount on time resulted in a fine of 2,000 réis.

At the table

Daily Diet of a Fieldworker

A 17th-century fieldworker typically consumed up to 1 kilogram of bread daily, accompanied by broth, vegetables, small amounts of meat or fish, and large quantities of wine.

Daily life

Low literacy rates in Porto region

In the region of Porto during this period, only about 16% of the population could read and write.

What people wore

Borrowing Clothes for Feast Days

For feast days, men wore formal outfits with silver shoe buckles, and those lacking such attire often borrowed a suit from a relative or friend to attend church.

Getting around

Travel modes for ordinary people

During this period, common people generally traveled on foot or by donkey, as riding a mule was a restricted privilege and a sign of status until the 16th century.

What it cost

Limited annual working days

Laborers and craftsmen did not work every day, with a significant number of days lost to religious and civic holidays. Estimates for effective working days in the 17th century typically range between 240 and 272 days per year.