The Cabildo celebrates its 300th anniversary with a trip to 18th-century Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aires City Council turns 300, and it's celebrating, of course. The celebration is next Saturday the 15th and will be a trip back in time to relive the mystique of the days leading up to the May Revolution , participating in a sensory experience with live music, gastronomy , games like "sapo," and other attractions. All in the style of those soirees of that time, but in the 21st century: imagining it already sounds fun, or at least curious.

With these key proposals, a tricentennial-themed dance emerges in this emblematic building of downtown Buenos Aires, of Argentina and its people, to which it ultimately belongs. It's an invitation to enjoy, to escape reality, even if only for a moment, and also with a noble goal: the proceeds will benefit the Association for Support of the Cabildo Museum (AAMC ). The event is on August 16th, starting at 3:00 p.m. at Bolívar 65, with a capacity for 370 people.

The Cabildo is a space steeped in memories and stories: people were housed there, others were imprisoned—as it served as a prison for a period shortly after its inauguration—and several death sentences were even carried out with public hangings. It was there that the country's organization as a sovereign, free, and independent nation was cemented. It was July 23, 1725, when work began on the construction of the 11-arched Cabildo, where the First National Government Junta was sworn in.

“The idea arose because the museum, together with the Association, always seeks to carry out activities that highlight the Cabildo's historical and heritage collection through engaging educational proposals. Furthermore, within the framework of the partnerships that the Cabildo promotes to achieve its goals, we work with institutions that do invaluable work through reenactment, music, and dance, to promote knowledge of our history and culture,” explains Sofía Perea, secretary and spokesperson for the AAMC .

The folklorist and event organizer, José Luis Montoya, highlights the unique features of the venue and its musical heritage: “It will feature exponents of our folk music with extensive careers who will provide unique performances in keeping with this special day; a deserving achievement for the Cabildo , the birthplace of our nation. It's a highly recommended place to experience an afternoon filled with emotion and history: every side of it is pure history.”

This is one of Argentina's most notable colonial buildings. Perea explains: "On this occasion, together with the Institute of Folk Art (IDAF) and the Friends of Avenida de Mayo Association, we are celebrating a unique anniversary for the Cabildo, as 2025 marks the 300th anniversary of the start of its construction . And we chose August because it coincides with another very important date for this and our city: the Reconquest of Buenos Aires and the surrender of the British army during the first English invasions in 1806."

Part of the experience includes "living moments where the music and dance presented by the IDAF—the Institute of Don Juan de los Santos Amores —will transport us to a social gathering in 1810 with characters dressed in traditional attire; replicas of the costumes of Belgrano, San Martín, Saavedra, Güemes, etc.; where you can see gavottes, minuets, contradanzas, and cielitos, among other dances," says Montoya, also an IDAF director.

There were key elements that inspired the project. “The possibility of recreating those festivities held by the Cabildo, where the events of our Revolution took place, to celebrate the city's milestones; both during the viceregal era and after the May Revolution, when they commemorated the Mayan festivals, among others,” explains Perea. “We will evoke those dances, games, music, and typical foods from 1810 in the museum's courtyard. We chose the folkloric genre: it expresses part of the cultural diversity that makes up the territory of what is now Argentina.”

With a little imagination, this opens up the possibility of sharing a journey into the past, reconnecting with one's national origins; an invitation that encourages enjoyment, reflection, and even learning. "An ideal event for anyone who wants to spend a Saturday of patriotic celebration in the heart of our city , learning about our history through experience, stories of life, and the daily customs of those who lived through that momentous period for our country. There's no strict dress code ; you can participate by adding an accessory to your outfit, whether characteristic of the era or the traditional style of the event. It's also not necessary to know how to dance or have any kind of training; just be willing to participate in a very special celebration that connects us with our roots through music, games, and dance," concludes Perea. Consequently, the activity is suitable for all audiences.

Its goal, along with its availability to welcome the public interested in experiencing memorable moments, evoking social gatherings and shared history, involves raising funds for the state organization. The museum, which is open five days a week (Wednesday through Sunday), is one of the most visited in the country : both by residents of Buenos Aires and a must-see for provincial and international tourists.