A bombilla is a specialized straw used for drinking mate, a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. The bombilla typically has a filter at one end to prevent the leaves from being sucked up while drinking. It is often made of metal, but can also be found in materials like bamboo or plastic. The use of a bombilla is an essential part of the mate-drinking ritual, which is popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Sharing mate among friends or family is a common social activity, and the bombilla plays a key role in this cultural practice.