Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia

What people wore

Costly and Heavy Headpieces

In the 16th century, women in some regions wore elaborate, heavy headpieces made of linen or crepe that were so costly and uncomfortable they petitioned for them to be reformed. These headpieces were so large and oddly shaped that observers likened them to baskets of cherries or ships sailing with full wind.

Daily life

Water access was a major daily effort

Most ordinary homes lacked a private well, forcing residents to carry water from the nearest public fountain. Having a private well was considered a significant luxury.

Work

Morning hiring and harsh labor control

Laborers often gathered at a designated plaza before dawn to be hired, and municipal authorities sometimes threatened strikers or those refusing to work with imprisonment.

Music

Instruments in church and processions

During Holy Week, the Church replaced bells with wooden instruments called matracas to commemorate the death of Jesus, as bells were considered the voice of Christ. Minstrels playing wind instruments like shawms, sackbuts, and flutes were also central to both sacred processions and secular street festivals.

At the table

Wine and simple carob drinks

Wine was considered a fundamental, energy-providing beverage for all, though commoners often drank poor-quality or adulterated versions compared to the wealthy. Aloja, a drink made from carob fruits, was another popular, rudimentary beverage served in taverns.

Getting around

Horses and mules for travel

Travelers relied exclusively on horses for personal transport and mules for carrying luggage, as exemplified by the Venetian traveler Andrés Navagero. Navagero noted significant expenses for purchasing mules and horses for his journey.

What it cost

Gender wage gap in 1553 agriculture

In 1553 Requena, male field workers earned between 34 and 68 maravedíes per day depending on the month, while women earned a fixed rate of only 17 maravedíes per day.