In Montevideo, a 147-year-old ‘republic’ of men preserves tradition and friendship

(30 Aug 2025) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Montevideo, Uruguay – 30 August 2025 1. Classic cars ready to depart in the caravan 2. Various of 'citizens' of Parva Domus gathering outside the Parva Domus house 3. Various of 'citizens' greeting each other inside ASSOCIATED PRESS Montevideo, Uruguay – 28 August 2025 4. Various of the Parva Domus museum interior 5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pablo Rodríguez, 'citizen' of Parva Domus: "I believe the story, and when I get to Parva Domus at noon until 4 p.m., during those four hours, that’s my time. Here, you can’t talk about politics or religion, including soccer; you can’t talk about work, and you can’t do business. Here you have a refuge where you come to share stories, anecdotes — it works like a balm for the soul. When it’s over, you say ‘okay, that’s enough.’" 6. Various of museum artifacts 7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Gustavo Fernández, 'citizen' of Parva Domus: "Coming to Parva Domus fills my soul. I’ve been coming for 11 years. When I first started, I felt like a fish out of water, uncomfortable, questioning why I was here. Now I feel at home, like a fish in water — why? Because I found my place." 8. Military uniform displayed in the museum 9. Federico Elgue singing 10. Museum 11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Federico Elgue, 'citizen' of Parva Domus: "I enjoy it, I really enjoy it, and I never miss a gathering to welcome a visitor, a friend, or when it’s our turn to show the glorious Parva Domus house." ASSOCIATED PRESS Montevideo, Uruguay – 30 August 2025 12. Classic cars departing in the Parva Domus caravan STORYLINE: In the Punta Carretas neighborhood, in the heart of Uruguay’s capital, there exists a “republic” made up entirely of men. It has its own flag, anthem, currency, and a name: Parva Domus. Though fictional, it is very real. Its “territory” is a neoclassical mansion with a garden occupying a full city block—and recently, members gained access to the sea. The society has 150 members and celebrated its 147th anniversary Saturday, a tradition begun by fishermen more than a century ago. The name comes from the Latin Parva Domus, Magna Quies, meaning “Small house, great rest.” One founder borrowed it from the French novel Jack by Alphonse Daudet. Parva Domus functions as a social and cultural society for friendship, entertainment, and the arts. Members celebrate with parades of antique cars, extravagant costumes, and elaborate banquets. Unlike other symbolic societies, Parva Domus has official recognition. Montevideo named a street after it last July, and the Ministry of Transportation granted a section of the coastal promenade, considered their “sea access.” “When I first started, I felt like a fish out of water, questioning why I was here,” said Gustavo Fernandez Galván, 61, smiling in the mansion’s museum. “Now I feel at home. I found my place.” Politics is off-limits. Members focus on conversation, cards, music, and art. Drinking to excess is banned. “Here, you can’t talk about politics or religion, including soccer, or work or business,” said Pablo Rodríguez. “It’s a refuge where you share stories and anecdotes. It works like a balm for the soul.” Historically, women were excluded, but today they can attend most events. Private members-only gatherings, however, remain men-only. AP Video shot by Diego Casal =========================================================== Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...