What is a Cacao Ceremony and How It Can Benefit You?
Cacao Ceremony
Last Saturday, I had the honor of participating in a magical cacao ceremony inside a cenote. It was one of those unforgettable experiences, made even more special by sharing it with friends. A Marakame couple, indigenous healers from the mountains of Jalisco, led the ceremony and filled the space with incredible energy through their songs and presence.
magical cacao ceremony inside a cenote
As we gathered in the cenote, surrounded nature and the sound of the rain, the Marakame's voices echoed beautifully in their native language, creating a calming and grounding atmosphere. It felt incredible to be part of such a sacred ceremony, filled with intention and connection to the earth, the elements, and the cacao itself.
Have you ever heard of a cacao ceremony?
A woman arranging cacao ceremony
It’s a beautiful, ancient ritual where pure ceremonial-grade cacao is used to open the heart, connect with your emotions, and bring a sense of peace and clarity. Unlike your regular cup of hot chocolate, this cacao is special—it's natural and unprocessed, offering a more mindful and spiritual experience.
The ceremony itself is designed to help participants reconnect with nature, themselves, and the present moment. It offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and feel grounded. Whether you are seeking emotional healing, clarity, or simply a moment of peace, a cacao ceremony is a beautiful way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
What Happens During a Cacao Ceremony?
what happens in cacao ceremony
During a cacao ceremony, people gather in a peaceful setting, often sitting in a circle to create a sense of community and connection. The ceremony begins with setting an intention, which may focus on releasing something you’ve been holding onto or inviting in a particular emotion or energy. Afterward, the ceremonial cacao is shared. This pure, rich cacao gently opens the heart, encouraging emotional connection and allowing participants to connect more deeply with themselves and others.
People enjoying Cacao Ceremony
The ceremony often includes singing or soft music, sharing thoughts with the group, and taking quiet moments to sit with your feelings. Some ceremonies might include gentle movement like yoga or meditations to guide you deeper into the experience.
It’s a time to simply be present, connect with yourself, and feel supported by those around you.
How to Prepare Cacao for a Cacao Ceremony
Preparing ceremonial cacao is a mindful process that sets the tone for your ceremony. Ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed, retaining its natural properties to enhance its heart-opening effects.
Here’s what you'll need:
50-60 grams ceremonial-grade cacao
1 cup of water or plant-based milk (almond, oat)
A pinch of cayenne, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, or turmeric (optional)
Honey or maple syrup for sweetening (optional)
Simply heat the liquid over a fire, melt the cacao, and stir in spices or sweetener if desired. As you prepare it, stay mindful of your intentions for the ceremony, and enjoy the process as part of the ritual. Drink slowly, allowing the cacao to ground you emotionally and open your heart.
What Are the Benefits of a Cacao Ceremony?
Emotional Release: Drinking ceremonial cacao helps you connect with your emotions, making it easier to release what no longer serves you.
Heart-Opening: Cacao naturally opens your heart, encouraging feelings of love and compassion toward yourself and others.
Mental Clarity: The gentle energy from cacao clears your mind, helping you focus and bringing a peaceful sense of clarity.
Grounding: Whether indoors or in nature, a cacao ceremony helps you feel balanced and connected to the earth.
Community Connection: Sharing the experience with others creates a sense of community, making you feel supported and connected.
My experience with cacao ceremony
My journey with cacao ceremonies began at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, a magical place surrounded by volcanoes, where I met a very wise shaman from the US. One of my most intense experiences happened during a private ceremony with only two other people. In that moment, I released emotions I hadn’t even realized I was holding onto. I vividly remember a realization: as a teenager, I chose to stay angry at people who hurt me, shutting them out until they apologized. That anger lingered with me for years, even though it no longer served me. During that ceremony, I let go of the need to hold onto anger or disappointment. I realised I could trust that people are doing the best they can, even if they don’t belong in my life anymore.
Fast forward to this recent ceremony in Mexico, which felt entirely different. This time, I was filled with love and connection. One of the most memorable parts of this experience was that it took place inside a cenote, a natural pool. As the rain fell outside, blending with the calming energy of the cacao, I felt at peace. It reminded me that in life, we must be patient and consistent—results will come, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but they will come. We are exactly where we are supposed to be in our life.
We started the ceremony by sitting in a circle, sipping the cacao in silence, allowing it to take effect. After a few minutes, we sang, played instruments, and quietly reflected on our thoughts and emotions. Toward the end of the ceremony, we shared our reflections and asked the Marakames questions, which they patiently answered with their deep wisdom.
The combination of the cacao, the shared silence, and being surrounded by friends made me feel deeply connected to nature, to myself, and to everyone there.
How to Find a Cacao Ceremony
Looking to experience a cacao ceremony? You're in luck! Cacao ceremonies are becoming more popular worldwide, and there are several ways to find one near you. Many yoga studios, wellness centers, and holistic retreats offer cacao ceremonies, and you can often find these events listed on their websites or social media pages. If you prefer a more intimate experience, you may also find independent facilitators who host private or small group cacao ceremonies.
For those in Playa del Carmen, where I’m based, cacao ceremonies are commonly offered at local wellness spaces. If you are in another location, a simple online search using terms like "cacao ceremony near me" or "cacao ceremony [your city]" can help you discover local events. You can also look for online cacao ceremonies if you're interested in participating from home, making this heart-opening ritual accessible from anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts
A cacao ceremony is more than just drinking cacao—it’s about connecting with your heart, sitting with your thoughts, and sharing a special moment with others. It’s a peaceful way to release emotions, find clarity, and feel more grounded. If you are looking for a calm and heart-opening experience, a cacao ceremony might be just what you need.
