What is a Cacao Ceremony, and Should I Try One?

On my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta offered me the opportunity to participate in a traditional Cacao Ceremony. One of my best pals attended one during their visit to a different Westin, so I thought: why not?

Of course, I did have some complicated feelings. Growing up in conservative Christian schools, I have my own special set of religious traumas that can make participating in activities like this complicated.

Not because I'm uninterested, but because I have this little nagging voice in my head that says, "ARE YOU SURE THIS IS OKAY?". Regardless, I decided to participate and approach the ceremony with my own special perception. This post will explore what exactly a cacao ceremony is and my personal experience.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

A cacao ceremony is a spiritual gathering that involves drinking a special blend of cacao, mixed with herbs and spices, that is said to help facilitate inner healing and spiritual awakening. The ceremony is typically led by a facilitator who guides participants through different rituals, meditations, and intentions while consuming the cacao drink.

Cacao has been used for centuries in traditional Mesoamerican cultures as a sacred plant medicine for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It's believed that the spirit of the cacao plant can open our hearts and connect us with our higher selves.

The purpose of a cacao ceremony can vary depending on the intention set by the facilitator or the individual participant. Some ceremonies may focus on emotional healing, while others may be more centered around spiritual growth and connection.

An amazing mother/daughter team from KUKU Cacao Ceremonial led my experience. There must be something to cacao because you'd think these two were sisters.

What Happened During My Cacao Ceremony?

I arrived at the ceremony to the sound of beating drums, and a beautiful flower circle with candles. Surrounding the setup were mats, blankets, and pillows to get comfortable.

The ceremony began with a grounding meditation to set the intention for the evening. We were served the cacao drink – warm, rich, and slightly bitter. As I took my first sip, I closed my eyes and focused on the taste and aroma of the cacao.

The facilitators then led us through individual reflections, where we were encouraged to focus on specific areas in our lives that needed healing or attention. This was followed by a group sharing circle where we could vocalize our intentions and feelings to the group.

How Did I Feel During My Cacao Ceremony?

I'll be real: I had a hard time connecting. This was solely because of my own religious background and guilt, making me feel unsure if it was acceptable for me to open up my mind and heart to the experience. I tried to approach it as a meditative experience and set my intentions with my own faith. As a result, I don't think I got as much out of it as I could have if I didn't have all of these complicated thoughts and feelings.

On the other hand, my colleagues had incredibly transformative experiences. The guides told us we'd likely have deep dreams that night and all of my peers did. The dreams they had were intense and vivid, with clear messages that helped them work through their intentions.

Should You Consider Attending a Cacao Ceremony?

Despite my own reservations and difficulties connecting, I would still highly recommend attending a cacao ceremony. Each person's experience is unique and personal, so it's worth giving it a chance. Plus, the benefits of cacao are well-documented and can enhance your overall well-being. Some potential benefits include increased focus and creativity, improved mood and energy levels, and decreased anxiety and stress.

Additionally, cacao ceremonies offer an opportunity for self-reflection and emotional healing in a safe and supportive environment. It allows us to slow down from our busy lives and connect with ourselves and the present moment. Even if you don't have a transformative experience, it can still be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an evening.