Maria of Aragon

What people wore

The Colorful Woolen Tunic Called Saya

Ordinary people wore a tunic called a saya, which was often made of wool and dyed in various colors like red, purple, ocher, blue, green, white, or black. It was typically worn by peasants and artisans, sometimes featuring an open neck known as an amigaut.

Daily life

Domestic heating and cleaning methods

Households used braziers to heat laundry and water for cleaning, as homes lacked modern amenities like running water.

Work

Agricultural life and self-sufficiency

About 80 percent of Navarre's population relied on agriculture, with most households aiming for self-sufficiency. Two-thirds of farmers combined agricultural work with artisan activities.

Music

Social customs of the youth groups

Young men formed social groups called Los Mozos, where joining on the feast of Saint Agatha cost one real. Members shared communal items like guitars, wine skins, and playing cards for their social gatherings.

At the table

Large feasts and local wine consumption

Ordinary people often held large feasts after mass, consuming lamb, veal, and wine from local towns like Artajona and Olite. These communal meals were so common that they were eventually restricted by law in 1757 to prevent excessive spending and disorder.

Getting around

Mules as primary transport animals

Travelers often used mules, which were the most valuable assistants for transport and could be used for riding or carrying cargo.

What it cost

Wheat and Bread as Basic Staples

Bread was the most appreciated food, with wheat being the basic crop; however, poor harvests frequently led to tragic famines.