Buenos Aires tango milongas face crisis over budget cuts

Organizers of tango milongas in Buenos Aires are warning of a crisis due to significant budget cuts and a lack of government support. The MiSeSo (Milongas con Sentido Social) and AOM (Asociación de Organizadores de Milongas) groups claim that the BA Milonga funding line, which is essential for the sector, has been defunded under the administration of Mayor Jorge Macri and Culture Minister Gabriela Ricardes.

According to organizers, the BA Milonga budget is expected to decrease by 40 percent between 2025 and 2026 due to inflationary impacts and budgetary reductions. This decline threatens the quality and accessibility of these cultural spaces, which are vital to the city's identity and economy.

The sector involves approximately 15,000 workers, including musicians and dancers, and attracts international tourists who bring foreign currency to the city. Organizers criticize the government for prioritizing marketing and dinner shows over the traditional milongas that sustain the local community and cultural heritage.