Cacao Convergence 2018

Program.

Cacao Ceremony - Cacao ceremonies have been practices by Mayan and Aztec cultures for centuries, due to their heart-opening, mind focusing qualities; connecting the community together while bringing a deeper sense of self.  This medicine is being adopted today by Westerners as we take the first steps away from an industrialized, disconnected, chemical-heavy society on our journey back to source of life. Mayan elders will lead us through this sacred tradition back to the heart.

Growing Cacao - We are surrounded by cacao forest, and find ourselves in direct contact with this sacred plant. Why is this plant so revered by ancient and modern-day cultures alike? Meet cacao farmers, learn about the processes of cultivation and fermentation, taste the fruit, and spend time with the trees in their native endemic habitat.

Making Chocolate - Learn from Guatemala’s premier chocolatiers how to make chocolate. From hot chocolate, truffles to tempered bars, you will make a variety of delicious treats while learning about the tools, techniques, alchemy, and science behind one of the world's most sacred treats.

Cacao History & Mythology Cacao comes from the land of the Ancient Maya and the plant is symbolic and highly valued. In fact, at one point, the beans were used as currency for trade. Listen to the history and folklore from the region about this sacred plant that shaped the Maya civilization.

Cacao Cuisine The hand-crafted locally sourced meals will include special chocolate treats. The dynamic flavors of cacao, from savory to sweet, will be added to the culinary experience. Mole sauce, chocolate vinaigrette, vegan mousse and refreshing drinks like tejate and teas will be enjoyed throughout the event.

Cacao Cosmetics - Our body is our largest organ and it protects us from ultraviolet sunlight and dangerous microbes. Do you give your skin the attention it deserves? Learn how to care for our skin by making cacao butter products like chapstick and salves.

Mayan Sacred Fire Ceremony The fire ceremony gives life and energy to all those who participate. The sacred fire is the centerpiece of rituals and ceremonies in the Mayan culture. For thousands of years, the Maya have engaged in sacred fire ceremony to honor the four directions, invokethe nawals or energies of the calendar while communicating and receiving messaged from the ancestors. Experience a traditional fire ceremony, give thanks to Mother Earth, and feel the warmth of community around the fire.

Cacao Agroforestry Walk and Harvest Step into the mystical cacao forest and learn from experienced cacao farmers about the diverse orchard, how to care for the trees, and identify different varieties of cacao. Then, harvest a mountain of ripe cacao pods that we will process into chocolate.

Hands-on Permaculture - Permaculture is one of the most valuable and potent technologies accessible to humans today. It gives us the tools to plant and water the seeds of the new system. It is grounded in ancient indigenous traditions. It is more than growing food - it is growing and cultivating life. Be immersed in a living, breathing permaculture education center, and learn both hands-on techniques and their conceptual foundations from internationally renowned professional permaculture instructors and local experts.

Yoga - Yoga has been in existence for thousands of years, but has never been so popular as it is today. Yoga is a powerful practice that aligns mind, body, and spirit in the cultivation of awareness and presence. When we achieve this state of presence, we can bring it with us into each moment of the day.

Ecstatic Dance - An international lineup of sound designers will weave a sonic tapestry rooted in tradition. Grounded in the ancient practice of the trance dance ritual, ecstatic dance ceremony is a technology that has been utilized by our ancestors around the world to dissolve individual ego barriers, resolve interpersonal tensions, and strengthen collective community bonds.