Editing Tertulia (section)

==In Spanish America==
Before 1810, at the ''tertulias'' held at the houses of society women in [[Buenos Aires]] ,such as [[Mercedes de Lasalde Riglos]], [[Mariquita Sánchez de Thompson]] and [[Flora Azcuénaga]], the discussions led up to the [[May Revolution]], the first stage in the struggle for Argentine independence from Spain.{{sfn|Ellas también hicieron el 25 de Mayo}}
"Madame Riglos" could be seen as the chief lady of the Tory (conservative) faction in Buenos Aires. She was sparkling and familiar, although highly aristocratic.{{sfn|Galasso|1994|p=35}}
Doña Melchora de Sarratea, queen of fashion and of the Buenos Aires salons, was so well aware of public and private affairs that she was held to be an enthusiastic supporter of Whig (liberal) principles.{{sfn|Galasso|1994|p=35}}
Mariquita Sánchez de Thompson's forte was foreign relations.{{sfn|Galasso|1994|p=36}}
Similar ''tertulias'' were being held during this period in [[Lima]], Peru, by women such as Manuela Rábago de Avellafuertes de Riglos and Narcisa Arias de Saavaedra.{{sfn|Davies|Brewster|Owen|2006|p=32}}

{{ill|José Antonio Wilde|es}} (1813–1887) described Buenos Aires in the period immediately following independence. He wrote that it was a widespread custom among the more notable and well-to-do families, and also with many decent families, to hold ''tertulias'' at least once a week. Usually the guests danced only from 8:00 to 12:00 at night, in which case only [[Mate (drink)|mate]] was served, but if it went on later chocolate would be added. Dress was not elaborate, and dancing, music and conversation were the only entertainment, so the cost was low. A piano player might be hired, or the young people might play dance pieces, or some old and complacent aunt might play some [[contradanza]]. Even if it was old, the thing was to dance.{{sfn|Wilde|1908}}