Anyone would think that the place where mate is most consumed is in Argentina or Uruguay.
But there is a town, thousands of kilometers from the Río de la Plata, where this tradition beats strongly.
That place is Lungro, in Calabria, Italy.
At the end of the 19th century, many families emigrated to Argentina. Over time, they sent back yerba, mates, and bombillas (straws).
Today, more than a century later, Lungro is known as the European Capital of Mate.
Drinking mate there is not just a habit: it is an inherited ritual, a cultural bridge that connects generations.
And that made me think about how powerful language is.
Just like mate, words cross oceans, travel with people, and keep traditions and connections alive.
Learning Spanish is not just about grammar.
It’s opening the door to stories, rituals, and conversations that allow us to share mate, a memory, or an experience anywhere in the world.
If you’ve ever dreamed of understanding not just the words, but also the culture behind them, my Spanish classes are for you.
Take the first step here:
