Fernando de Borbón y Bragança

At the table

Meat was for special occasions

Meat was consumed only on special occasions, as livestock like chickens were kept primarily for eggs and were only eaten when they were too old to lay.

What people wore

Limited Wardrobes for Humble Women

Many humble women owned only two outfits: one for daily work and one for Sundays or feast days.

Getting around

Daily travel speeds on horseback

Postal services and private individuals traveling by horse in the early 19th century could reach average speeds of 36 to 48 kilometers per day. Under optimal conditions on well-maintained roads with fresh horses available at post houses, some could cover 50 to 55 kilometers daily.

What it cost

Cost of meat and shoes

Beef and lamb cost approximately 2 reales per pound, while a pair of shoes typically cost around 16 reales.

Music

Social gatherings and lively dances

Ordinary people often enjoyed social gatherings in tabernas or outdoor settings where they participated in dances like the fandango, which was both sung and danced. These lively gatherings featured instruments like guitars and bagpipes to animate the atmosphere.

Daily life

Schooling and Training for Children

The 1812 Constitution mandated free primary schools, though formal education for girls was often limited to domestic skills like sewing. Many girls learned these tasks by working alongside their mothers in domestic service.