since indians consumed a lot of mate, the spanish colonists banned its consumption, believing it to be the devil's weed because of its supposed aphrodisiac qualities.

nowadays mate can be found in brazilian bars, markets, restaurants and even on the beach in its iced version.  

the cry of vendors, wearing orange matte leão (popular mate brand in rio de janeiro) uniforms, and carrying gallons of mate, represent the soul and spirit of the people of rio - even under the hot sun, carrying heavy gallons all day, they do their job with joy and energy.