Mate: Argentina’s Drink of Friendship and Tradition

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Some trips in life are meticulously planned, and others happen completely by surprise. My first visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September 2022 was the latter—a completely unexpected journey that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

As an International Powerlifting League (IPL) referee, I was suddenly needed in Buenos Aires for a World-level meet called the IberoAmericano. With little time to prepare, I packed my bags and boarded a flight, excited but unsure of what to expect. What I didn’t know then was that I was about to experience something far greater than a competition—I was about to be welcomed into a culture where community and tradition are shared in the simplest, most beautiful ways.

And it all started with mate.

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A Drink That Connects a Nation

During my first days in Buenos Aires, I couldn’t help but notice small groups of people gathered together, drinking from wooden cups with long metal straws. It was everywhere—at cafés, in parks, on the sidewalks, even behind the scenes at the powerlifting venue. I had never seen anything like it.

Curious, I asked my host, Mariela Ortellado, the president of the Argentine Powerlifting League (APL), about the drink. With a smile, she explained: “It’s mate. We drink it every day with family, friends, whoever. It’s tradition.””

That’s when I realized: mate is not just a drink—it’s a ritual. A symbol of hospitality, connection, and friendship.

“Mate is more than a drink; it’s a way to share moments with others.”

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The Meaning of Mate in Argentine Culture

In Argentina, drinking mate is more than a habit—it’s a way of life. Unlike coffee, which is often enjoyed alone, mate is meant to be shared. The same cup is passed around in a group, with each person taking a turn before handing it back to the server (cebador), who refills it and passes it to the next person.

There’s a rhythm to the ritual, an unspoken bond between those who share it. It doesn’t matter if you’re family, colleagues, or meeting for the first time—drinking mate together means you belong.

Even the rules are important:

• ✔️ One person (the cebador) serves and refills the mate—a role that carries respect.
• ✔️ Never stir the bombilla (metal straw)—it’s placed a certain way for a reason.
• ✔️ Saying “thank you” means you’re done—so if you want more, just take it and pass it back.

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My First Sip of Argentina

They didn’t hesitate to include me.

I eagerly took the hot cup, wrapped my fingers around the wooden gourd, and sipped through the metal bombilla. The taste was earthy, bold, slightly bitter—but comforting. I loved it immediately. But more than the taste, I loved the way it was shared—passed from one person to another, no rush, no distractions, just a simple act of togetherness.

I didn’t just drink mate that day—I was welcomed into something much bigger.

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A Gift That Meant Everything

During the awards ceremony, Mariela and her team presented me with a special gift—a matero (mate cup) and bombilla.

I was deeply touched. This wasn’t just a souvenir; it was an invitation to carry Argentina’s tradition with me, wherever I went.

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More Than a Drink, a Lifelong Bond

I had no idea at the time that this one experience—this one unexpected trip—would lead to even more travels throughout South America.

This is what mate represents to Argentines: friendship, tradition, and the joy of coming together. It’s more than just a drink—it’s an act of hospitality, a moment of connection, a bond that lingers long after the last sip.

And now, thanks to my time in Buenos Aires, it’s a part of my story, too.

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Have You Ever Tried Mate?

Have you had an experience sharing mate or visiting Argentina? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let’s talk about the power of traditions and connections.

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