Infante Luis, Count of Chinchón

Getting around

Fast travel via post stations

In the 18th century, post stations allowed travelers to rent fresh horses at intervals of 14 to 22 kilometers, enabling speeds of up to 150 to 200 kilometers per day. This was the fastest method of travel for those who could afford it.

At the table

Eggs and fruits in the diet

Eggs were a vital and common source of protein for rural households, which often maintained small backyard flocks. In contrast, fresh fruit was consumed frequently by all classes, often eaten at the end of meals in various forms like raw, dried, or preserved.

What people wore

The Spanish national street costume

Regardless of status, women commonly wore a black basquiña skirt and a mantilla when walking in the street or attending church. These items were considered a distinctive Spanish national costume and were removed once a person entered a home.

Music

Dances at religious festivals

Religious festivals like Corpus Christi featured organized processions with fixed performances, including the dance of the giants and sword dances.

Daily life

Difficult access to water for daily use

Water was scarce and difficult to access, so ordinary people gathered at public fountains to collect it or bought it from water carriers called azacanes. Because water was hard to obtain, washing clothes and maintaining personal hygiene was challenging for the poorest citizens.