New-York tribune., 1918-06-30
Opera in Buenos Aires

The opening of the .opera at the
featro Colon not only marks the be-
rinning of the Buenos Ayres social
and theatrical season, but that of all
| hose countries south of the Tropic of
Capricorn. Now if there is any one
thing the Latin American loves it is
social life. The poor and the rich let
nothing stand in the way of their
pleasures and they enter into them
With spirit and vim that gets them
the most from life.
The opera, the races, the interna-
iSnal football matches, the airplane
ambition, yachting and motor-boating
al afford activities for a continuous
round of gaiety. From May to the mid
lie Of September the Argentine hostess
| Is busy woman. To add further to
her social duties, she closes the town
house, and if she does not speed over
to London, Paris, Milan or Madrid, she
|Eill spend her summer at some fash
jonable seaside resort or exclusive
hotel high in the peaks of the Andes.
The opening night at the Teatro
colon is a society event, unsurpassed
! IN either Europe or in New York. The
opera house itself is one of the most
BEAUTIFUL in the world, and the people
! Of Buenos Ayres pride themselves on
| it It is an edifice that requires an en-
tire block, and is fronted by beauti-
ful little plaza, which gives the on
BOXER an opportunity of viewing the
building and enjoying all its architec-
tural beauties. On both sides of the
building there is covered driveway,
% that the boxholder on arriving may
step from the automobile into an eleva-
tor which carries him to his tier.
Owing to the reversal of the seasons
the Argentine society woman has the
advantage over the European and North
American to the extent that she is first
to wear the seasons latest style gowns.
Ok this fact she is immensely proud.
As rule she goes to Paris during the
months Of February or March, secures
her gowns from the best dressmakers,
xho 4or years have made it a point to
sater to her wishes, SO when she re-
turns home she brings with her the
styles which will be in vogue in Paris,
New York and London the following
winter.
To be sure, the Argentine society
ssnan somewhat overdresses. She
WARS jewels lavishly, and her diamond
and pearl necklaces cause envy to some
Sfour golden horseshoe set. She is also
very fond of face powder, very white,
and when the lights shine full this
sves her anything but healthy ep-
tarance.
For those who subscribe for sseats
the orchestra and balconies, the
mont OF the house is the only entrance,
aud many Of the new set Of millionaires
ue only too glad to be counted as or
aestra subscribers. So on these gala
nights one will see at the Teatro Colon
% audience that not only dazzles the
We from the standpoint of<wealth, but
~ audience that fully appreciates
seod opera. Even in the galleries and
Ahong the standees fully three-fourths
us u evening dress.
Aost OF the people Of South America
Of Spanish descent, but they are
, sss fond Of bright colors. One would
a'ak, the Colon operagocr would
saosn her hats and hair with gayest
Sshage and shawls of many colors.
sW black seems to be the color most
s'tn, even among the younger set. At
taia performance at the Colon the
sssoience seems rather cold. There is
ast'e display of the enthusiasm shown
" occasions of the popular priced
sts, when every one gives full vent
snotions. either cheering an artist