Infante Fernando, Prince of Asturias

At the table

High spending on alcohol by families

In some industrial mining regions, families spent over 25 percent of their total food budget on alcohol, specifically wine and aguardiente.

What people wore

Popularity of head scarves in Navarra

Head scarves were the most common head covering for Navarrese women at mid-century, used by over 37% of the population, sometimes reaching up to 55% in specific areas.

Getting around

Stagecoach travel revolutionizes Spanish transit

Organized stagecoach travel between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia began in 1816, significantly reducing travel times by the 1850s. For example, a journey from Madrid to Barcelona that took about 13 days in the 1820s was reduced to 3 to 4 days by the 1850s.

What it cost

Cost of board and lodging

At the time, immigrant workers in Barcelona typically paid 5 to 6 reals for board and lodging.

Music

Dances performed at religious festivals

Dances such as the jota were performed at religious festivals to honor saints and request favors, blending Catholic rituals with local customs.

Daily life

Buying fish for 2 reales

In Santoña, residents could buy fresh fish directly from fishing nets pulled to the shore for as little as 2 reales, although the catch size varied significantly.