Welcome to 200 Mates
200 Mates is a collaborative project born from the desire to make visible a tradition deeply rooted in the southern part of South America: mate. More than just a drink, mate represents hospitality, connection, and belonging.The project name “Vuelta al Mundo en unos 200 Mates” translates to “Around the World in about 200 Mates,” inspired by Jules Verne’s classic adventure tale.
What is 200 Mates?
This interactive web application allows people from around the world to share their mate experiences by:Share Your Mate
Submit photos and details of your mate moments - from the type of vessel you use to your favorite yerba brand
Explore the Globe
Discover how mate travels across borders on an interactive 3D globe showing submissions from every corner of the world
Cultural Discovery
Learn about different preparation styles: bitter (amargo), sweet (dulce), cold tereré, or brewed mate tea (mate cocido)
Community Stories
Connect with a global community that shares this South American tradition, whether at home or abroad
The Mission
In times when what is foreign is often met with suspicion, we believe that sharing everyday practices is a way of creating closeness. Understanding how others live, the rituals they keep, and the traditions that accompany them allows us to connect beyond borders. This project seeks to map mate around the world to understand:- How it travels - From Uruguay to Canada, from Argentina to Germany
- How it transforms - Different vessels, yerba brands, and preparation methods
- When it’s shared - Morning routines, afternoon breaks, work sessions, or social gatherings
- The contexts - Alone or with others, at home or outdoors, with traditional accompaniments
Key Features
Interactive Globe
Explore an animated 3D globe that visualizes mate submissions from around the world. Countries with submitted mates are highlighted in green, and you can:- Spin and zoom the globe
- Click on markers to see photos and details
- Watch animated arcs connecting mate submissions
- See real-time statistics of total mates and countries represented
Community Submissions
Every mate submission includes:- Photo - Visual documentation of your mate moment
- Name - Share your name or remain anonymous
- Location - Country or GPS coordinates
- Preparation style - Bitter, sweet, tereré, or mate cocido
- Yerba brand - Your favorite yerba mate brand
- Vessel type - Calabash, wood, stainless steel, glass, or other materials
Moderation & Safety
All submissions are reviewed by volunteers before appearing on the map to ensure the content is:- Respectful and safe for all users
- Related to the mate tradition
- Privacy-conscious (no personal information exposed)
- Free from hate speech, spam, or advertising
Why It Matters
Mate is more than a beverage - it’s a social ritual that brings people together. Whether you’re:- A South American living abroad, maintaining connection to home
- Someone who discovered mate through travel or friends
- Part of a growing international community of mate enthusiasts
- Curious about this cultural tradition
Get Started
Ready to explore the world of mate? Visit the live application at: https://paintingcreatures-a11y.github.io/200mates/ Or continue reading to learn more about the cultural significance of mate and how to submit your first mate to the map.About Mate
Learn about the cultural and historical background of this South American tradition
Quick Start
Follow our step-by-step guide to submit your first mate