Francisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz

At the table

Wine preferred over risky water

Wine was the preferred beverage, often drunk diluted or spiced because water was frequently unsafe and caused gastrointestinal issues.

What people wore

Long Skirts and Sandals

In the mid-19th century, Spanish women often wore skirts long enough to reach the floor, hiding their feet, although some began to show them while wearing sandals tied with blue ribbons.

Getting around

Lower Travel Costs for Stagecoaches

Between 1822 and 1854, the price of stagecoach services fell by 57 percent, making long-distance travel more accessible.

What it cost

Cost of meat and shoes

Beef and lamb cost approximately 2 reales per pound, while a pair of shoes typically cost around 16 reales.

Music

Instruments and style in Levante

In the Spanish Levante region, popular music was often performed at home or during festivals using a variety of instruments, including the guitar, bandurria, violin, and traditional percussion like castanets, tambourines, and triangles. These performances were often simple and characterized by a melancholy, genuinely Moorish tone.

Daily life

Scarcity and Management of Drinking Water

In coastal cities like Cadiz, drinking water was scarce and often brought in casks from nearby springs, requiring households to collect rainwater in cisterns. This water was meticulously managed for specific uses like cooking, drinking, or cleaning.