What is a cacao ceremony and what to expect the first time
A cacao ceremony is a circle gathering where pure cacao is drunk with an intention, accompanied by words, music and silence. It is not a party, nor therapy in a clinical sense: it is a space to listen to the body, open the heart and share what we are living through.
Where ceremonial cacao comes from
Cacao (Theobroma cacao, “food of the gods”) has been sacred to the peoples of Mesoamerica for thousands of years. The Maya and the Mexica used it in rites, offerings and celebrations, and its seeds were even used as currency. Today many communities across Latin America still honour it as a teacher plant that helps us reconnect with the earth and with each other.
Ceremonial cacao is different from commercial chocolate: it is whole cacao paste, unrefined and not mixed with sugar or milk. In our ceremonies in Nosara we use Costa Rican ceremonial cacao.
How a ceremony unfolds, step by step
- Opening the circle. We greet the four directions and introduce ourselves.
- Intention. Each person names, aloud or in silence, what they come to release or cultivate.
- Drinking the cacao. We bless the cacao and drink it slowly, with attention.
- Music and sound journey. Drums, guitar and voice accompany the process. We often sing together.
- Talking circle or dance. We share what came up, or move it through the body with peace dances.
- Closing. We give thanks and return gently to the day.
What you may feel
Warmth in the chest, the urge to cry or laugh, great clarity or simply calm. It is all welcome. Cacao doesn’t “do” anything for you: it accompanies you and opens the door, and you decide how far to go in.
Care before drinking cacao
- If you take antidepressants (MAOIs or SSRIs), have a heart condition or are pregnant, let us know first: we will adjust the dose or offer an alternative.
- Skip coffee that day and eat lightly a few hours before.
- Drink plenty of water.
Ready to experience it? Join a community cacao ceremony in Nosara or request a private cacao ceremony for your group. If it’s your first time, read how to prepare for your first ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
Is ceremonial cacao a drug?
No. It is pure, minimally processed cacao. It contains theobromine, a gentle stimulant that opens the heart and energises the body kindly, with no psychoactive effects.
How long does a cacao ceremony last?
Usually two to three hours, including opening the circle, drinking the cacao, music and closing.