Infanta María de las Mercedes, Countess of Barcelona

Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies was a member of the Spanish royal family and the mother of King Juan Carlos I.

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.

Limited Wardrobes and Constant Mending

Ordinary people wore clothes until they wore out, often mending them until they could be reused as rags; many owned only two outfits, one for work and one for Sunday or feast days.

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.

Religious dancing in Seville cathedral

On feast days at the Seville cathedral, twelve youths dressed in 17th-century silk costumes traditionally danced the sevillana before the high altar.

Circular railway tickets for long journeys

At the start of the 20th century, travelers could purchase circular tickets from the Norte Company, allowing them to travel up to 3,000 kilometers over 45 days.

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.

Modernizing Urban Homes and Cooking

In urban homes, the arrival of electricity and gas, along with running water and central heating, transformed daily life, though these modern comforts were primarily enjoyed by the affluent. For many, traditional charcoal stoves remained the standard for cooking until well into the 1920s.

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.

Common drinks and breakfast habits

Wine was a common beverage often preferred over water, which was frequently considered unsafe for drinking. Lower-class households in cities like Seville might breakfast simply on a cup of chocolate and a roll.

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.

Daily wages for laborers in 1916

In 1916, while a laborer in Madrid or Barcelona could earn up to 6 pesetas per day, a laborer in Valladolid might earn only 2 pesetas.

Food prices in Spain in 1916

In 1916, a kilogram of bread cost 0.46 pesetas, a kilogram of beef was 1.82 pesetas, and a dozen eggs cost 1.26 pesetas.

Common jobs in urban Spain

Common occupations included day laborers, domestic servants, washerwomen, and various roles in the expanding textile and service sectors.

Shift to eight-hour workday

The working day was typically 10 hours in 1914 before shifting to a standard 8-hour day following the 1919 decree.