The Buenos Aires Legislature declared the book, edited by Adriana Massidda from the School of Architecture, alongside Valeria Snitcofsky, and Eva Camelli, a cultural asset of significance in 2023. To celebrate this recognition and share the book's research, a series of four ceremonies were held throughout March and April 2024.
"Villas en Dictadura" sheds light on a period of violence, dictatorship and lasting trauma in these communities, displacing residents through demolitions and the murder of local leaders. The book fills a significant gap in historical understanding, where research had previously been limited, and residents have responded with enthusiasm. Hundreds attended the ceremonies, and many more shared stories and news about the book on social media and local TV. The book has also been used within self-organised secondary schools in the villas.
The first three ceremonies took place within different villas, honouring the book's spirit and allowing residents to attend and engage with the research. The final ceremony was held in the Legislature's main hall, ‘Salón Dorado’.
Following the events, Villas gained further traction with an endorsement from Cristina Fernández, former President of Argentina, at a presentation of the book. Fernández spoke of the book as an important way to learn from the country's history, and saw viral success in a TikTok video shared about the book.
A recording of the interview for Urbana TV, a state-sponsored villas TV channel, before the event can be found here, whilst a recording of the ceremony in the legislature's ceremonial hall can be found here. Automatic English subtitles can be switched on for both videos.