Carlos I of Portugal

Music

Music and work festivities

During collective agricultural work like rye threshing or grape harvests, friends and neighbors would gather to help, always ending the day with festivities, music, and dancing. Large farms often hosted these parties, with landlords providing wine and inviting the best local musicians and singers.

Daily life

Housing conditions for the working class

In cities like Lisbon and Porto, the working class lived in poor conditions, often in overcrowded neighborhoods known as patios or islands, which lacked basic hygiene and sewage systems. Household furniture was very limited for these families, unlike the luxurious homes of the bourgeoisie.

What it cost

Low wages for Porto factory workers

In Porto, factory workers earned an average of 420 réis per day in the late 19th century, while young female workers often received only about 40 réis, which was not enough to purchase a single kilogram of bread.

What people wore

Personalized Embroidery as Identity Markers

To express personal identity, men often embroidered their names on the chest of their linen shirts, while women displayed their initials on their aprons or vest backs. These personalized details served as markers of individual pride within the rural community.

Getting around

Hiring Mules and Drivers

Travelers often rode mules, which were paid up to 12 testoons per day; the driver (arrieiro) was expected to be paid 240 réis per day in addition to his food.

At the table

Widespread wine consumption among the people

Wine was the most common beverage consumed by the general population in abundance. In some regions, like the Azores, the common people consumed a low-quality wine made from American Isabel grapes.