Blanca de Aragón y Carrillo de Albornoz

Getting around

Slow rail journeys with frequent stops

Spanish rail journeys were famously slow, with trains frequently stopping at small stations where names were not called out because everyone already knew where they were.

At the table

Dietary differences among social classes

While the wealthy ate fine dishes like partridge or sea bream in new modern restaurants, humble households commonly consumed fasting potage, pickled sardines, cod, and potatoes. Poor families often ate very little meat, reserving it for special occasions, while bread and wine remained central to their diet.

What people wore

Sounding trousers of Jaén cart drivers

Men in Jaén, known as chirris, wore trousers with metal-buttoned side openings that produced a distinct sound while walking.

Music

The popular tango dance in flamenco cafes

In the late 19th century, the tango was considered the most fashionable and popular dance in flamenco cafés, known for its grace, picaresque style, and use of accessories like shawls.

Daily life

Irregular school attendance due to child labor

Schooling was mandatory for children aged 6 to 9, yet attendance was often irregular as children were frequently pulled out of class to work, perform household chores, or care for younger siblings. Some families struggled to pay for necessities, leading to chronic absenteeism despite legal requirements.