Pedro de Alcantara, Prince of Grão-Pará

What people wore

The tradition of black mantillas

In mid-19th century Brazil, women of all social classes frequently wore black mantillas when attending church or religious festivities.

Getting around

Steamship travel between União and Teresina

In 1859, a steamship named Uruçuí traveled from the town of União to Teresina in about 9 hours, covering the distance between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

At the table

Monthly Food Costs in the 1870s

In the early 1870s, the monthly cost of food for a free employee in the Court was estimated at 45,000 réis. For those managing their own households, minimum monthly expenses were about 12,000 réis per person for food.

Music

Church and festival music in Brazil

In the 19th century, Holy Week in towns like Campanha involved solemn church performances by choirs and orchestras, while secular celebrations like the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary featured vibrant, competitive drum ensembles known as congados.

Daily life

Water and Lighting Challenges

Water access was precarious; while some urban areas began receiving piped water in the late 1870s, many residents still relied on public fountains or rivers, which were often contaminated. Lighting for most ordinary households remained minimal, relying on simple lamps, while wealthy areas gained electric lighting much earlier.