Infanta Benedita of Portugal

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.

At the table

Bread price and weight regulations

In times of scarcity, a pound of wheat bread cost 10 réis, but when grain prices rose to 500 réis, the weight of the bread was reduced to about 0.3 kilograms.

Music

Guitars and violins fueled lively festivities

During social events, when festivities became lively, it was common for guests to play the guitar or violin and sing before transitioning into dances.

Daily life

Simple cooking and olive oil use

Cooking often occurred in a simple space with a portable hearth and limited tools; olive oil was the primary fat used for cooking, as religious customs restricted the use of animal fats on certain days.