Infanta Maria Doroteia of Portugal

Music

Private serenatas were common aristocratic entertainment

In Lisbon's aristocratic circles, women hosted private evening parties called serenatas in their homes, where they sang, danced, and employed professional musicians.

At the table

High cost of beef

In 1739, beef was so expensive in Sines that there were no bidders to supply it, making its sale free instead of regulated.

Daily life

Water delivered by paid carriers

Drinking water was often delivered to homes by water carriers; in one noble household, a water carrier was paid 2$400 réis per month for this service.

What people wore

Fishermen's simple daily and festive attire

Fishermen typically wore linen breeches to the knee, a wool cap, and a vest called a sertum, only adding a jacket in cold weather. On feast days, they wore formal outfits with silver shoe buckles, borrowing from friends or relatives if they did not own one.

Getting around

The seggia carriage rental

A seggia was a common carriage used for travel in the late 18th century, costing between 48 and 60 réis to rent for a day or half-day. It could carry two passengers and operate from morning until midnight.

What it cost

Bread prices and weight regulation

In the 18th century, the price of bread was tied to its weight. When the price of wheat reached 40 réis per arrátel, a loaf of bread cost 10 réis, but during shortages, the bread weight was reduced to maintain affordability.