In the Punta Carretas neighborhood, in the heart of Uruguay’s capital, there exists a “republic” made up entirely of men.

It has its own flag, anthem, currency, and a name: Parva Domus. Though fictional, it is very real.

Its “territory” is a neoclassical mansion with a garden occupying a full city block—and recently, members gained access to the sea.

The society has 150 members and celebrated its 147th anniversary Saturday, a tradition begun by fishermen more than a century ago.

The name comes from the Latin Parva Domus, Magna Quies, meaning “Small house, great rest.”

One founder borrowed it from the French novel Jack by Alphonse Daudet.

Parva Domus functions as a social and cultural society for friendship, entertainment, and the arts.

Members celebrate with parades of antique cars, extravagant costumes, and elaborate banquets.

Unlike other symbolic societies, Parva Domus has official recognition.

Montevideo named a street after it last July, and the Ministry of Transportation granted a section of the coastal promenade, considered their “sea access.”

“When I first started, I felt like a fish out of water, questioning why I was here,” said Gustavo Fernandez Galván, 61, smiling in the mansion’s museum. “Now I feel at home. I found my place.”

Politics is off-limits.

Members focus on conversation, cards, music, and art. Drinking to excess is banned.

“Here, you can’t talk about politics or religion, including soccer, or work or business,” said Pablo Rodríguez. “It’s a refuge where you share stories and anecdotes. It works like a balm for the soul.”

Historically, women were excluded, but today they can attend most events. Private members-only gatherings, however, remain men-only.

AP Video shot by Diego Casal