Pedro Maurício Correia Henriques

What people wore

Inherited feast day suits for fishermen

Fishermen in the Beira Litoral region wore formal suits for feast days that were often passed down through generations, including coats and waistcoats from the 18th century, knee breeches, and silver shoe buckles. If they did not own these items, they would borrow them from friends or relatives.

Daily life

Limited water, hygiene, and cooking facilities

Ordinary households lacked running water and sewage systems, often relying on expensive or difficult water collection methods; hygiene was rudimentary, and many urban dwellings were occupied by multiple families. Heating and lighting were limited, and in many popular homes, cooking was done over three stones rather than on stoves.

Music

The origins of Fado

Fado emerged in 19th-century Lisbon as a spontaneous music form sung in taverns, streets, and homes, often associated with marginalized figures like sailors and coachmen. Performers often improvised poetry about love and daily life, sometimes accompanied by guitars.

At the table

Daily routines and tavern meals

Workers often started their day at 6 am with a mata-bicho, consisting of bread and a glass of aguardente, before heading to work. Frequent tavern meals were also common, where men might eat half a loaf of bread, some mackerel, and a quartilho (about 0.5 liters) of wine.

Getting around

Reliance on River and Coastal Travel

Due to the lack of adequate roads and public transport, river and coastal sea travel were essential, though they were often slow, uncomfortable, and risky. In one recorded instance, a boat trip between Alhandra and Lisbon stalled due to low tide and fog, forcing passengers to wait until midnight to reach their destination.