As soon as it arrived at the beginning of the 16th century, the chocolate dessert consumed by the Aztecs deserved an enthusiastic reception in Barcelona.
Suffice it to emphasize that it was introduced not only in affluent and popular sectors, but even among the clergy.
He even posed a question of conscience to them: was he breaking the strict rule of fasting? It didn’t take long for the matter to merit an opinion that directly affected the friars. The answer was conclusive: no. We are in the 17th century. The local Discalced Carmelites later dictated that the intake could take place even outside the convent, which was facilitated when permission was extended to the tablet.
Over time, it did nothing more than generalize in all environments and sectors, including the official. The cathedral chapter established the custom of offering the aldermen chaired by the mayor a tasty cup of chocolate.
In the 19th century there were more than a hundred chocolate shops in Barcelona. The atmosphere was select and more placid than cafes, a fact that justified the presence of single ladies.
Having arrived at this point, it really caught my attention that in 1852 an inappropriate fact was detected: “Women of dubious antecedents”, as detailed in the Diario de Barcelona; it was no surprise that there were cafes frequented by forbidden games, but it also affected chocolate shops. Protests arose and unrest became widespread.
I did not hesitate to consult my studious friend Paco Villar. He confirmed the existence of the case and completed the information recorded from that date until 1855. Here is the journalistic account: “The mermaids, who very early in the morning stand behind the windows and leave them half open pam, they catch a glimpse of the poor and the unwary who pass by alone, they give them winks and signs and other indecent poses”.
It could be seen that they drew attention to attract curious people to come in and arrange a sexual encounter in the rooms arranged for this purpose on the upper floor.
Specific rules were issued, such as the prohibition to cover the glasswork on the facade with curtains; inspections were deployed and, in this way, chocolate shops so suspicious that they had turned into makeshift brothels were put an end to.