Carmen Franco, 1st Duchess of Franco

Getting around

Moving livestock by train across Spain

Transhumant shepherds moved thousands of sheep by train between Babia and Cáceres, a 430-kilometer journey that took two days by rail, whereas moving them on foot would take much longer.

At the table

Staple diet of ordinary Spanish families

Ordinary families relied heavily on cereals, potatoes, and legumes, which made up about 60% of their caloric intake. Meat consumption was low due to high prices, and families often saved money by eating simple national dishes like puchero.

What people wore

The Protective Waist Sash

Workers commonly wore a sash or faja around the waist to protect the lumbar area while lifting heavy weights, a practice that remains part of traditional festive attire today.

Music

Lullabies sung by rural Spanish women

Rural Spanish women sang lullabies while working to soothe their children, often improvising verses based on their current mood.

Daily life

Mandatory Schooling vs. Reality

Although primary education was legally mandatory for children up to age 12 in 1901 and age 14 by 1923, poverty often made schooling an unattainable luxury for many families. Education was frequently deprioritized in favor of immediate economic needs and child labor.