this connection to the past holds with it an irresistible charm and when the balls were reintroduced in rio de janeiro during the 19th century they became an immediate success.

associated with the wealthier classes of the city, they are held in some of the most elegant locations of the city such as the municipal theatre, which staged the most famous of the balls for several years: the official gala, also known today as the official baile of the city of rio de janeiro.

this particular party was a well-known meeting point for the socialites of rio and was even attended by the brazilian dictator getúlio vargas during its first few years.

the official gala ceased to exist in the 1970s after the authorities realized the soiree was causing damage to the classic building but by that time this type of events had become ingrained in carnival festivities.