Las Invitaciones (Invitations): In Argentina, the culture around dinner invitations can be tricky if you don't know the hidden social queues. Not every invitation is made to be accepted. In fact, in some instances, it is more polite to decline an invitation. It is important to note that if an acquaintance asks you if you'd like to stay for dinner, the correct response is to timidly decline, unless the person insists. However, if the invitation is from a close friend, declining can be viewed as impolite. It is polite to accept invitations from people you are close to quickly and with excitement.
9. "¡Tenemos que juntarnos a tomar un café!" (We've got to get together for coffee!): In Argentina, this phrase is often said as a casual and nice means of saying goodbye. It is not an actual invitation and should be met with a response that is equally indefinite and spontaneous.
10. La mate no es solo una bebida. (Mate isn't just a drink.): Yerba mate is more than a refreshing drink, it's a social ritual. The traditional way of drinking mate is to share it with others, as this provides a means of social connection.
What tradition did I learn about?: In Argentina, it is tradition to drink yerba mate during any time of day. Argentinians typically drink this tea out of a hollow calabash gourd called a mate, cuia, porongo, or guampa depending on the region. The metallic straw used to drink yerba mate is usually made of silver and called a bombilla. There are many ways to enjoy mate. The most popular way is mate caliente (hot yerba mate), which is made with hot water.
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