Maria Palomares

Music

Music and work festivities

During collective agricultural work like rye threshing or grape harvests, friends and neighbors would gather to help, always ending the day with festivities, music, and dancing. Large farms often hosted these parties, with landlords providing wine and inviting the best local musicians and singers.

Daily life

Primary education reforms for children

During this period, the state made primary education mandatory for the first three years, with an optional fourth year, and worked to establish new primary schools across the country. However, many children, especially those from poorer families, often worked long hours in factories or in agricultural tasks instead of attending school.

What it cost

Low wages for Porto factory workers

In Porto, factory workers earned an average of 420 réis per day in the late 19th century, while young female workers often received only about 40 réis, which was not enough to purchase a single kilogram of bread.

What people wore

Heirloom Clothing Among Coastal Fishermen

Fishermen in the Beira Litoral region traditionally wore wide linen drawers and a wool cap while working, only adding a jacket when it was cold. Sunday or ceremonial outfits, including breeches and silver-buckled shoes, were often passed down through generations as precious family heirlooms.

Getting around

Hiring Mules and Drivers

Travelers often rode mules, which were paid up to 12 testoons per day; the driver (arrieiro) was expected to be paid 240 réis per day in addition to his food.

At the table

Pork and bread consumption habits

Pork was the primary meat in the rural diet, preserved by salting or smoking in the chimney. Wheat bread was considered a luxury and was typically reserved only for feast days.