Italian Town Drinks Mate Like Argentines, 11,000 Kilometers Away

In the small Italian town of Lungro, nestled in the Calabria region, a unique cultural tradition thrives: the drinking of mate. This South American infusion, commonly associated with Argentina and Uruguay, is a daily ritual for many of Lungro's 3,145 inhabitants, mirroring the customs found across the River Plate.

The tradition dates back approximately 140 years, originating when immigrants from Lungro, seeking better opportunities during a period of famine and unemployment in southern Italy, emigrated to Argentina. Upon achieving financial stability, many returned to their hometown, bringing with them the habit of drinking mate. Those who remained in Argentina also sent mates as souvenirs to friends and family back home, solidifying the custom in Lungro.

Lungro has embraced this heritage, even declaring itself the "European Capital of Mate" in 2014. The town actively promotes the tradition through events like the annual Festival del Mate, which celebrated its 12th edition in August 2026. Local businesses display mates and yerba, and the town's culture is deeply intertwined with this shared beverage.

The practice of drinking mate in Lungro is a symbol of community and connection. While perhaps not as constant as in its South American counterparts, the inhabitants cherish the custom, using it as a focal point for social gatherings. The "ideal" time for mate is typically morning or afternoon, often accompanied by local pastries like "Viscot," further blending the tradition with regional Italian culture.

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We are cheerful people, social people, who love music and art, I think that's why we feel a bit Argentine.