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Looking for an authentic cultural experience in the heart of town?
Mark your calendars for April 10th and 11th, as the Cacao & Chocolate Festival returns for its 4th edition at the iconic Isla del Río Cuale.
This isn’t just a food market; it’s a deep dive into Mexico’s ancient roots and the living traditions that surround one of the world’s most beloved ingredients.
What’s Happening?
The two-day event is designed as a social and cultural exchange. You’ll find:
- Artisan Market: Shop directly from local and regional chocolate makers and traditional crafters. Perfect for finding unique gifts or high-quality Mexican cacao.
- Workshops & Talks: Learn about the origins, history, and traditional uses of cacao in Mexico.
- Special Guests: Meet “Tradicional elders” (Wisdom Keepers), including Abuelo Efrén Hernández (a Mayan guardian of the Yokot’an lineage) and Abuela Chonita (a traditional midwife and herbalist).
- Friday Evening: Catch a documentary screening about cacao, followed by an intimate Q&A session with the experts.
Hands-on chocolate-making workshops and sensory tastings will bring the festival to a rich and memorable close, inviting attendees to fully experience the flavors, aromas, and craftsmanship of cacao in an immersive setting, followed by a live music concert and the awards ceremony for the children’s drawing contest, “Guardianes del Cacao.”
New for 2026: Kids’ Education Space
Bringing the family? This year features a dedicated educational area where children can explore the world of cacao and the biodiversity of the tropical forests where it grows.
Plan Your Visit:
- Dates: Friday, April 10 & Saturday, April 11
- Location: Explanada del Instituto Vallartense de Cultura (IVC), Isla del Río Cuale.
- Tip: If you want to participate in the workshops, pre-registration is required as spots fill up quickly!
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a history buff, this festival is a beautiful way to connect with the local community and Mexico’s rich heritage.
For more info or to register for workshops:
www.festivaldelcacaovallarta.com
@fiestadelcacaovallarta
+52 984 804 5266
Alberta Snelli is an educator and specialist in educational project design, as well as the founder and organizer of the Cacao and Chocolate Festival. Her work in this event is dedicated to preserving the memory and cultural history of cacao, with the purpose of safeguarding this ancestral seed for future generations.
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