November 30: why it's Argentina's National Mate Day

The date honors Andrés Guacurarí, «Andresito», the Guaraní leader who defended Misiones.

In Argentina, November 30 is National Mate Day. It was established by Law 27,117 in 2015.

Why that date?

On that day in 1778, Andrés Guacurarí y Artigas, known as "Andresito", was born. He was a Guaraní leader and commander general of Misiones, and one of the great defenders of the yerba-growing region during the wars of independence.

National infusion

On top of that, since 2013 Law 26,871 has declared mate the national infusion. It's the most common drink in Argentine homes: according to the National Yerba Mate Institute (INYM), it's drunk in more than 90% of households.

How it's celebrated

There are festivals, fairs and tastings, especially in Misiones and Corrientes, and many yerba makers use the date to launch special editions. Still, the best way to celebrate is the usual one: getting a round going.