Cacao used in Ceremonies.

What kind of cacao is used for the ceremony?

Criollo out of all cacao bean varieties, the Criollo is widely considered the most optimal for ceremonial use.

The Criollo beans contain the highest density of Theobromine.

Mayan Ceremonial Cacao is provided in the village of San Pedro La Laguna in the afternoons.
This offering is provided only if you have a purpose, not a tourist offering or attraction to fill in the time.
The Ceremonies are provided by Mayan shamans, and the price per person is $50.
We request that you book at least three days in advance.

Theobromine has no significant stimulant effect on the human central nervous system. It is a bronchodilator and causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. It is not currently used as a prescription drug. The amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough that chocolate can, in general, be safely consumed by humans.

Is there a difference between cacao and ceremonial cacao?

The difference between regular cacao and ceremonial grade cacao is the way it has been processed and prepared. For ceremonial cacao, the processing is kept as minimal and pure as possible. Freshly harvested beans are fermented and then dried, but never roasted.

To sum up, ceremonial cacao is less processed than regular 100% dark chocolate (light roast, no conching, and no tempering), contains more cocoa butter than regular cocoa powder, and is not already blended with sugar and other spices like hot cocoa mixes.

What is ceremonial cacao good for? Cacao used in Ceremonies

Did you know that cacao ceremonies are a centuries-old ritual seen as the ultimate heart-opener? Cacao is packed full of vitamins and minerals and increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to strengthen awareness and focus. It helps the body to heal, and detoxify and gives your immune system a good boost.

What is the point of a cacao ceremony?

Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing – which is one of the oldest holistic healing practices used by indigenous cultures all over the world. These types of healing ceremonies work with rebalancing energies in the body to regain health.

What was the role of Mayan priests?

The role of priests was closely connected to the calendar and astronomy. Priests controlled learning and ritual and were in charge of calculating time, festivals, ceremonies, fateful days and seasons, divination, events, cures for diseases, writing, and genealogies.

Where is cocoa grown in Guatemala? Cacao used in Ceremonies

The Northern cacao producing region is comprised of Petén, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Izabal. In Alta Verapaz, the existence of small cacao farms is reported as early as the 1940s in Cahabón. Not the Lake Atitlan region.