Infanta María Cristina of Spain

Getting around

Stagecoaches traveled 150 kilometers a day

By 1850, stagecoaches regularly covered about 150 kilometers (thirty leagues) in a single day through many hours of travel.

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.

What people wore

Limited wardrobes for humble women

A typical humble woman in mid-19th century Spain often possessed only two outfits: one for daily work and one reserved for Sundays and feast days.

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.

At the table

Gender inequality at the dinner table

In rural Spanish households during the mid-19th century, men often sat at the table to eat while women served them standing, frequently eating separately in the kitchen later.