Hugo José Jorge O'Neill

Music

Common instruments in rural homes

In rural Minho, it was rare to find a house without a viola or a cavaquinho, and sometimes a harmonica, which later became known as a concertina. Spontaneous neighborhood parties often erupted when someone started playing these instruments.

Daily life

Crowded conditions for the working class

Homes for the working class were often crowded, old, and lacked basic hygiene, with some families living in single rooms without tap water or proper sewage. In cities, poor families often resided in tenement-like structures known as pátios in Lisbon or ilhas in Porto.

What it cost

Entrance cost to the Crystal Palace

While the bourgeoisie enjoyed Sunday leisure, those who could afford the entrance fee paid 50 réis to visit the Crystal Palace in Porto.

What people wore

Personalized clothing marks

Rural villagers expressed individuality and status by marking their clothing with initials, with men often embroidering them on the chest of their linen shirts and women on their aprons.

Getting around

Railway revolutionised travel speed to Cascais

By 1895, the railway between Lisbon and Cascais cut travel speeds from 9.5 km/h to about 40 km/h, turning a grueling journey into a 50-minute trip.

At the table

Widespread wine consumption among the people

Wine was the most common beverage consumed by the general population in abundance. In some regions, like the Azores, the common people consumed a low-quality wine made from American Isabel grapes.