Gala night at the Cabildo: a "Bridgerton" style ball, but in 21st-century Buenos Aires

The Cabildo invites you to experience the magic of a lavish ball, a festive evening reminiscent of those celebrated during the 19th century: its courtyard, the stage set in perfect harmony for this unique occasion, promises to be a dream. A kind of event akin to those in the acclaimed series Bridgerton , updated with a distinctly national and popular flavor, anticipating the grand finale of 2025 and honoring its 300th anniversary.

This patriotic gala will take place on November 15th at 7:30 pm in the venue, which has a capacity of up to 370 people. The event aims to evoke the mystique that characterized these celebrations or traditional gatherings, including their cuisine and dances.

“It’s a ball set in 1812, the dawn of our independent history. There will be dances from that era, led by professors Cecilia Nadaszkiewicz and Carolina Bonacci. As with any proper evening, there will be a room dedicated to board games; cards and many more surprises,” Verónica Cicchi, spokesperson for the Argentine Victorian Society, told Ñ.

“Don’t hesitate to come, you’ll have a great time: you’ll travel back in time more than 200 years just by stepping through the doors of the Cabildo, to dance and have fun like back then, inside the most beautiful courtyard in this city. The dances are fun, group dances, and led by the instructors: they really make everyone feel like they already knew how to dance them,” says the expert.

The event encompasses various activities developed this year to commemorate the tercentenary of the start of construction on the Buenos Aires Cabildo building. “We chose to commemorate it with this patriotic dance, to recreate for a few hours the spirit—and costumes—of 1812, not yet independent from the Spanish Crown but already on the path to independence,” Diego Mora, president of the Association for the Support of the Cabildo Museum (AAMC) and historian, tells Ñ.

A must-see for fans of the series "Bridgerton," its only requirement is key: attendees must dress in attire appropriate to the Empire or Regency fashion, as it "recreates the same era as the series but in our lands," according to Cicchi. He emphasizes: "The dress code is essential to achieving the magic of time travel."

As in promising times when national independence was beginning to take shape, they will recreate on site one of the many celebrations that were organized at that time by the Cabildo, but which at the time were calls to gain support and adherence to the May Revolution.

The head of the AAMC points out in this context that “the town halls were among the most important buildings in American cities during the colonial era: they served as local administration, police, and justice for the city and its surroundings. They were also the center of political activity for the residents themselves.”

Although “this category was reserved for wealthy families, it implied some degree of democratic participation, since these residents could participate in meetings specially convened to discuss important issues—the 'Open Town Halls'—and elected several members from among themselves to represent their interests. The town halls represented the citizenry, which is why, when independence movements began in Buenos Aires (along with other cities), they were central to the actions and decisions,” Mora explains.

Furthermore, the audience will contribute their own style, as they must harmonize with the atmosphere and glamour, in keeping with such a thematic environment. References or examples of these types of outfits can be found on the Instagram accounts of the Argentine Victorian Augusta Society and the AAMC.

Thus arose this idea and invitation to step back in time to the beginning of the 19th century, and by reliving it, enjoy a unique evening, the last event of the year with this style and in this venue. Cicchi explains: “I am a member of the Argentine Victorian Society: we are dedicated to recreating the civil history of our city and country between 1790 and 1919. At the party, we will be among the audience, providing the historical context, dancing, and participating in all the activities.”

Furthermore, this time both organizations are leading the initiative and handling all its organization. Tickets are available online via Passline, and all proceeds will benefit the host institution.

These cultural spaces are getting ready for the main institutional event of each year: the Night of the Museums, 21st edition, is coming on November 8th.

The traditional event, already a landmark in the city of Buenos Aires, is eagerly awaited by both museums and their visitors, who are keen to explore them under the stars freely and without charge, enjoying various activities planned for the day: live music, shows, workshops, film, games and more; to the delight of local and international audiences of all ages.

At the also classic Cabildo Museum, preparations have been underway for months to welcome all the people who come from 7pm to 2am to Bolívar 65, forming the Central Circuit of the night.

Its deployment, specifically designed for the occasion, includes:

-From 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: “Artistic creation workshop for the whole family”, led by the renowned visual artist Nora Iniesta.

-From 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: “What do you know about the old lady?”, presented by the Augusta Victorian Society.

-From 23 to 00.30 h: Pre-Cinema Showcase with Watching Machines.

Music will be playing from the patio and tent areas:

-From 8 to 9 pm: Avellaneda Gospel Choir together with the Talentos Choir.

-From 10 to 10:30 pm: Choir “Cosa de Negros”.

-From 7 to 8 pm, from 9 to 10 pm and from 11 pm to midnight: Talks at the foot of the excavation, given by the distinguished expert Nestor Zubeldía (part of the Cabildo team).

Art and history, throughout the event

-The current temporary exhibition "Behind the Walls. A large building for a small village…". Democracy Room.

-The main and permanent exhibition. Central rooms of the museum.

It seems that the past is still in fashion, perhaps, as those in the know say, that "fashion is cyclical": it always comes back.

• File:
• When : Saturday 15/11, from 7pm.
• Where : National Historical Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution; Bolívar 65, CABA.
• Admission : $25,000 via Passline.
• Inquiries : via Instagram @asoc.cabildo; @sociedadvictorianaarg