Weekend the Argentine way: simple traditions worth trying

In Argentina, weekends aren’t just a pause between workweeks — they’re an experience built around food, friends, and slowing down. From long Sunday lunches to sharing mate outdoors, Argentines have turned their weekends into a celebration of connection and simple pleasures. These easy-to-adopt traditions offer a refreshing way to make your own downtime feel more relaxed and meaningful.

Sunday Lunch: the heart of the weekend

In Argentina, Sunday lunch is more than just a meal — it’s the highlight of the week. Families and friends gather around big tables to share homemade dishes, talk for hours, and enjoy an unhurried afternoon. Whether it’s pasta, empanadas, or an asado, what matters most is the company. It’s a simple reminder that weekends are meant for connection, not rushing.
If you want to learn how to make a proper asado, check out our complete guide: The real guide to prepare Argentine asado.

The ritual of Mate

Mate is Argentina’s signature social ritual — a warm drink shared among friends, family, or even coworkers. It’s less about the beverage and more about the pause it represents. Preparing, pouring, and passing the mate encourages conversation and mindfulness. It’s a habit that North Americans are starting to embrace for the same reason they love coffee rituals — it brings people together.
If you’d like to learn how to prepare the perfect mate, you can find our step-by-step guide: How to prepare Mate? A complete guide for argentine and uruguayan Mate lovers.

Time outdoors

Argentines often spend weekends outside, even in urban areas. Parks fill with people drinking mate, kids playing fútbol, and groups sharing snacks or picnics. This habit reflects an appreciation for simplicity and fresh air, proving that relaxation doesn’t need to be planned — sometimes it’s as easy as a blankt and mate with good company.

Bring a little bit of Argentina into your weekend

If these traditions sound like something your weekends could use, you don’t have to travel far to try them. With Pampa Direct, you can easily find authentic products from Argentina and Uruguay to recreate those simple, meaningful moments at home — from yerba, mate and alfajores to kitchenware and gifts that celebrate Latin culture.

Shop authentic Argentine and Uruguayan products with worldwide delivery.
At Pampa Direct, you’ll find over 10,000 items from Argentina and Uruguay — from dulce de leche, alfajores, yerba mate, and accessories to sportswear, and more. Place your order today and receive it in 3–7 business days. We ship to over 80 countries, including The U.S, Canada, Australia, Germany, Israel, Italy, France, China and more.