Isabel de Borja y Castro

What people wore

Clothing as a valuable family asset

For many rural families, clothing was so precious that it was never discarded; it was often reused, sold to cover funeral costs, or given as part of a domestic servant's wages.

Daily life

Wine preferred over unsafe water

Ordinary people in Habsburg Spain frequently preferred wine over water, as the water supply was often unsafe and could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.

Work

Working Days Tied to the Sun

Working hours were tied to the sun, with daily laborers often gathering at dawn and working until sunset, though some trades like baking and butchery extended into the night.

Music

Festival Wind Music Ensembles

Public and religious festivals featured wind instrument ensembles known as ministriles, who typically played in groups of four to six using instruments like flutes, cornets, and sackbuts.

At the table

Common drinks in Habsburg Spain

People rarely drank water due to poor quality and health risks, preferring wine that was often diluted or spiced. Another common drink in taverns was aloja, a rudimentary beverage made from carob fruits.

Getting around

Ox carts moved slowly

Carts pulled by oxen were used for short distances to transport items like wood, stone, or harvest products, moving at a slow pace of 20 to 35 kilometers per day.

What it cost

Price of poultry and eggs

In the 16th century, a hen cost 2 reales, while a single egg was priced at 3 maravedís.