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The Third Edition of the Cocoa Festival comes to Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa


Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa are preparing to host one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Third Edition of the Cocoa Festival, a unique celebration that pays tribute to Mexico's sacred seed, cacao, whose legacy has transcended centuries and borders. From March 6 to 9 in Puerto Vallarta and from March 14 to 16 in Yelapa, attendees will be able to immerse themselves in a deep journey into the oldest traditions of cacao.

This festival not only celebrates the ancestral power of cacao, but also promotes a socio-cultural exchange that seeks to revalue its roots. During these days, attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, from chocolate ceremonies that connect the body and soul, to dance and song that evoke the vibrant spirit of the indigenous peoples of Mexico. There will be talks about consciousness and ancestral wisdom with wise healers who will share their knowledge and visions about this "food of the gods."

Explore the stories and knowledge brought by Mayan elders from Tabasco and Chiapas, and other cacao experts from places like Nayarit. Each one will share unique perspectives on the legacy and magic of cacao. Find out more about their wisdom here.

In addition, it will be a unique space to strengthen alliances between producers, artisans and cacao lovers, creating an ideal meeting point for those looking to learn more about this natural treasure, which has been a fundamental part of Mexico's pre-Hispanic history.

From interactive workshops and conferences to markets full of delicacies, artisanal products and traditions, find out everything we have prepared.

This party will feature the presence of Efrén Hernández Maldonado, guardian and caretaker of the ancestral Mayan wisdom of the Yokot'an peoples, in the Mexican lands of Tabasco, he is a Mayan priest and traditional doctor. He belongs to the indigenous council of the Ik´nhas´kin´jha Mayan peoples of Tabasco, is part of the Circle of Knowledge of the Grandparents at the national level and also participates in the Mesoamerican coordination of Mayan spirituality. He is the caretaker of 20 hectares of cacao in his community of Miahuatlán, cultivated under ancestral agriculture and agroforestry. In his community, spirituality around sacred cacao is safeguarded, preserving ceremonies, rites and myths, legends and ancestral knowledge.

Also present will be María Asunción Morillo, known as Abuela Chonita. The grandmother is originally from Chiapas, she is a wise midwife, an expert in herbs, remedies and medicinal plants. A massage therapist and timekeeper, Abuela Chonita is the guardian of native varieties of cacao crops in her community. She belongs to the regional indigenous council of the Ik´nhas´kin´jha Mayan peoples. Your affection and loving words are pure medicine for humanity.

Finally, this Festival will feature the presence of Edilberto Díaz Cruz, a traditional doctor from the Cerro Blanco community in Tacotalpa, Tabasco. He safeguards the knowledge of mountain cacao and the knowledge of traditional medicine. He belongs to the regional indigenous council of the Ik'nhas'kin'jha Mayan peoples.

The purpose of the Cocoa Festival is clear: to create a space for learning, connection and celebration for all those who wish to explore the magic and benefits of this sacred seed that has given rise to chocolate. This event is a tribute to the cultural heritage of the native peoples and an opportunity to remember their everlasting legacy.

Beyond a festival, it is a celebration of the roots, traditions and communities that keep the spirit of cacao alive. Learn about our mission and the reason behind this event here.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable experience! The Cocoa Festival awaits you to honor together the strength of an ancestral tradition that lives on in the heart of Mexico.

Cacao is much more than just a seed: it is the soul of an ancient tradition, the legacy of our ancestors, and a symbol of the deep connection we have with the earth. In every cacao bean beats the history of the indigenous peoples of Mexico, those who cultivated and revered this seed as a sacred gift of nature.

Today, more than ever, we have the opportunity to reconnect with that ancestral wisdom, and to recognize cacao as a bridge between generations, cultures, and hearts. By honoring cacao, we not only celebrate its role in the creation of chocolate, but we also celebrate the history, art, medicine, and spirituality found in its roots.

This year, at the Cacao Festival, all Vallartenses will be invited to join this space of learning, celebration, and reflection. Through ceremonies, dances, talks, and traditions, they will be able to discover how cacao continues to be a powerful source of connection and well-being. In Puerto Vallarta it will be in Terranoble and in Yelapa in Atarazana. For more information visit:

https://www.flowvallarta.com/fiesta-del-cacao-vallarta