Diego, Prince of Asturias

What people wore

Daily and feast day clothing

Humble women often possessed only two outfits: one for daily chores and another specifically reserved for Sundays or feast days.

Daily life

Eating habits without tables or forks

Kitchens lacked designated tables, so meals were eaten using wooden spoons while sitting on benches or even on the floor. Food was often handled with the fingers, as forks were not yet in general use and were sometimes viewed as dangerous or unrefined.

Work

Women's daily wages were strictly limited

In mid-16th-century Requena, women worked the same sun-to-sun hours as men but were paid only half a real (17 maravedíes) daily, regardless of the season.

Music

Popular dances and their instruments

The zarabanda was a popular but controversial folk dance accompanied by the guitar, tambourine, and castanets, and was often banned for its provocative nature. A common Spanish proverb of the time stated that there is no wedding without a tambourine (tamborino).

At the table

Aloeja and tavern drinks

A popular tavern drink was aloja, made rudimentarily from the fruits of the algarrobo and served in taverns.

Getting around

Common travel methods and poor roads

During the late 16th century, people typically traveled on foot, by horse, or by mule, while wagons and carriages were rare, often uncomfortable, and sometimes prohibited for moral or social reasons. Transport was frequently easier on the backs of beasts than on wheels due to the poor quality of the roads.

What it cost

Gender wage gap in 1553 agriculture

In 1553 Requena, male field workers earned between 34 and 68 maravedíes per day depending on the month, while women earned a fixed rate of only 17 maravedíes per day.