The rhythm of tango is back in Buenos Aires with the return of the Tango World Cup.

The festival runs through Sept. 2 at more than 50 venues across the city.

The lineup includes concerts, traditional dance halls known as milongas, exhibitions, film screenings — and the world’s top tango competition.

Organizers say this year’s World Cup set a record for participants. Couples from more than 50 countries are competing.

The launch featured a tribute to bandoneon master Aníbal Troilo at the famed Teatro Colón.

The World Cup is considered the most prestigious tango competition in the world.

Dancers compete in two categories: Tango de Pista — a social dance — and Tango Escenario, a performance style for the stage.

Qualifiers were held in Argentina and abroad, including Japan, Kazakhstan, France, Hungary and the United States.

Finalists will take the stage Sept. 1 and 2 at the Grand Rex Theater to crown this year’s champions.

AP Video shot by Cristian Kovadloff