In the news1918
1918 flu epidemic ends urban death cycles
The 1918 flu pandemic was the last major epidemic to severely impact urban life, after which cities began growing through natural increase.
Madrid, 23 Dec 1910 – Lanzarote, 2 Jan 2000
10 facts3 sources
23 Dec 1910
Born in Madrid
1936–1941
4 children are born
2 Jan 2000
Dies in Lanzarote, aged 89
She lived through 10 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Madrid.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1918
The 1918 flu pandemic was the last major epidemic to severely impact urban life, after which cities began growing through natural increase.
What people wore
Espadrilles as Everyday Footwear
Espadrilles were the most common footwear for workers and farmers, often paired with socks by men or stockings by women, while leather shoes were typically reserved for formal occasions or specific uniforms.
Getting around
Circular railway tickets for long journeys
At the start of the 20th century, travelers could purchase circular tickets from the Norte Company, allowing them to travel up to 3,000 kilometers over 45 days.
Around the world · 1914–1918The First World War. From 1914 to 1918 the great powers fought in trenches across Europe and beyond; some 20 million people died. Brazil joined the Allies in 1917.
In the news1919–1929
The Madrid Metro opened in 1919, eventually transporting nearly 100 million passengers annually by 1929 and transforming urban mobility.
Music
Religious dancing in Seville cathedral
On feast days at the Seville cathedral, twelve youths dressed in 17th-century silk costumes traditionally danced the sevillana before the high altar.
Daily life
Modernizing Urban Homes and Cooking
In urban homes, the arrival of electricity and gas, along with running water and central heating, transformed daily life, though these modern comforts were primarily enjoyed by the affluent. For many, traditional charcoal stoves remained the standard for cooking until well into the 1920s.