As soon as the chocolate dulzaina that the Aztecs consumed arrived at the beginning of the 16th century, it received an enthusiastic reception in Barcelona.
Suffice it to emphasize that it was not only introduced into well-to-do and popular sectors, but even among the ecclesiastical.
He even raised a problem of conscience: was he breaking the severe rule of fasting? The thing did not take long to deserve an opinion that directly affected the friars. The answer was emphatic: no. We are in the seventeenth century. The local Discalced Carmelites later dictated that it could be eaten even outside the convent, which was facilitated by extending the permission to the tablet.
With the passage of time, it only became generalized in all environments and sectors, including the official one. The cathedral chapter established the custom of offering the councilors presided over by the mayor a delicious cup of chocolate.
In the 19th century, there were more than a hundred chocolate shops in Barcelona. Its atmosphere was select and more peaceful than the cafes, which justified the presence of single ladies.
Thus, it caught my attention that in 1852 an inappropriate fact was detected: "Women of dubious background", as detailed by Diario de Barcelona ; It was no surprise that these were cafeterias where prohibited games were frequent, but it also affected chocolate shops. Protests arose and unrest spread.
I did not hesitate to consult my studious friend Paco Villar. He confirmed the existence of the case and completed the information registered between that date and up to 1855. Here is a journalistic story: “The sirens that very early in the morning get behind the stained glass windows and, leaving them half a span open, peek at the poor and to the unwary who pass by alone, making winks and signs and other gestures that are not at all decent”.
It turned out that they attracted attention to attract the curious to enter and agree to a sexual encounter in the rooms arranged for it on the upper floor.
Specific rules were issued, such as the prohibition of covering the glassware on the façade with curtains; Inspections were deployed and thus ended those highly suspicious chocolate shops that had become improvised undercover brothels.
