Afonso, Prince Imperial of Brazil

What people wore

Festive attire and religious celebration traditions

During religious feast days, both men and women across social classes dressed in their finest attire, with women often wearing white and adorning their hair with natural flowers. In 1843, a formal masculine outfit for a festival in Belém included rosemary-colored cashmere trousers, a green frock coat, and a white gro de naples vest.

Daily life

Lack of Running Water and Sewage

Even in wealthy city homes, there was no piped water or sewage system; water was carried by enslaved people from public fountains or streams, while waste was often dumped into the street.

Music

Music in religious festivals

Religious festivals often featured processions with choirs, orchestras, and traditional groups like congados, which were pantomimic folk dances of African origin.

At the table

A cheap and common breakfast in cities

A common breakfast for many, available in city cafes, cost four vinténs and consisted of a cup of coffee and a small bread roll with rancid Irish butter.

Getting around

Cadeirinhas used for short city trips

For short distances, affluent families frequently used a small, enclosed litter called a cadeirinha, carried by enslaved people in liveries.