Tereza Leite

Thereza de Jesus Cezar Leite Souza Campos e Orleans e Bragança, formerly known as Thereza de Souza Campos and later as Thereza de Orleans e Bragança, was a Brazilian socialite. She was married to Prince João Maria of Orléans-Braganza for more than twenty years.

Women's modest beach attire

In the 1920s and 1930s, women often wore heavy layers to swim, including socks, caps, slippers, and wool robes, as they were expected to be covered from head to toe.

Clothing as a photo prop

Poor individuals were frequently barefoot in photographs, and articles like shoes, bags, or parasols were sometimes shared among people only to appear presentable for a picture.

Music in Festivals and Public Spaces

Festivals and religious processions were vibrant, featuring Afro-Catholic rituals and street celebrations like the Lavagem do Bonfim in Bahia. Participants enjoyed sambas, batuques, and capoeira, while public spaces often echoed with serenades, street vendor cries, and brass bands.

Music in the Home Environment

At home, families often played pianos or used guitars, while others created music with everyday items like glasses, bottles, plates, and their own hands. In wealthy households, pianos were common furniture and learning to play was often expected of young women.

Rio-São Paulo travel time reduced significantly

In 1929, the inauguration of the new Rio-São Paulo road reduced the automobile travel time between the two cities from 33 days to 14 hours.

Tram fare cost of a newspaper

In 1926, the electric tram fare in Aracaju was 100 réis, which was the same price as a local newspaper at that time.

Schools in private homes

Many rural schools were not purpose-built but operated in private homes, farm basements, or teachers' backyards. Children often arrived barefoot and had to carry water from nearby streams in cans to clean their classrooms.

Milk was a luxury for working families

In 1934, pasteurized milk cost 600 réis per liter, while stable milk cost 800 réis, making it a luxury for workers earning 4,000 to 5,000 réis daily.

Common staples in working-class diets

In the 1930s, working-class diets often relied on staples like rice, beans, and beef jerky, though nutritional studies found many laborers suffered from significant caloric deficits.

Six-day work week for basic food supplies

During the late 1930s in Pernambuco, rural workers on sugar cane plantations had to work at least six days a week just to afford basic food like beans, flour, beef jerky, and sugar.