Maria Domingas José de Mendoça Rolim de Moura Barreto, 3rd Duchess of Loulé

Music

Common instruments in rural homes

In rural Minho, it was rare to find a house without a viola or a cavaquinho, and sometimes a harmonica, which later became known as a concertina. Spontaneous neighborhood parties often erupted when someone started playing these instruments.

Daily life

Cooking and diet basics

Common people cooked their meals over an open fire, often using three stones or basic hearths without chimneys, while water was generally not piped into their homes. Diet for laborers was simple, consisting primarily of bread, vegetables, bacon, and occasionally sardines or cod.

What it cost

Entrance cost to the Crystal Palace

While the bourgeoisie enjoyed Sunday leisure, those who could afford the entrance fee paid 50 réis to visit the Crystal Palace in Porto.

What people wore

Personalized Embroidery as Identity Markers

To express personal identity, men often embroidered their names on the chest of their linen shirts, while women displayed their initials on their aprons or vest backs. These personalized details served as markers of individual pride within the rural community.

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

Common rural diet and shared meals

Ordinary rural families frequently ate from a large, shared earthenware bowl containing vegetables and potatoes, often seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, pork fat, or salted sardines. Bread, specifically corn bread (broa), was a staple consumed daily and often kept fresh for a week.