In the news1853–1882
1853: Mass emigration to Latin America starts
From 1853 to 1882, 325,000 Galicians emigrated, marking a period of intense, large-scale migration to Latin American countries like Cuba and Brazil.
Madrid, 12 Nov 1882 – Palace of the Cuesta de la Vega, 1912
10 facts3 sources
12 Nov 1882
Born in Madrid
1912
Dies in Palace of the Cuesta de la Vega
She lived through 4 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 news1853–1882
From 1853 to 1882, 325,000 Galicians emigrated, marking a period of intense, large-scale migration to Latin American countries like Cuba and Brazil.
Getting around
Long hours for stagecoach travel
A journey by stagecoach between Manzanares and Granada took 30 hours, while a mule-drawn diligence trip from Granada to Jaen lasted nine hours.
At the table
Dietary differences among social classes
While the wealthy ate fine dishes like partridge or sea bream in new modern restaurants, humble households commonly consumed fasting potage, pickled sardines, cod, and potatoes. Poor families often ate very little meat, reserving it for special occasions, while bread and wine remained central to their diet.
Around the world · 1879–1882Electric light. Edison’s light bulb and his first power stations, in New York and London, began to light cities with electricity.
What people wore
Dancing fashion and skirt lengths
Women's festive dancing attire often included long tails, though young unmarried women were expected to wear shorter, ground-length skirts.
Music
Musical experts in social settings
In small social gatherings, those who could play string instruments like the violin, guitar, bandurria, or lute were considered the musical experts of the group.
Daily life
Irregular school attendance due to child labor
Schooling was mandatory for children aged 6 to 9, yet attendance was often irregular as children were frequently pulled out of class to work, perform household chores, or care for younger siblings. Some families struggled to pay for necessities, leading to chronic absenteeism despite legal requirements.