Leandro de Borbón

Getting around

Automobiles changing travel in the 1920s

In the 1920s, early automobiles were so fast that they could transport a traveler directly to their doorstep, leading some to predict the railway would disappear.

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

Espadrilles as Everyday Footwear

Espadrilles were the most common footwear for workers and farmers, often paired with socks by men or stockings by women, while leather shoes were typically reserved for formal occasions or specific uniforms.

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.