Puerto Vallarta is preparing to welcome the fourth edition of the Cacao and Chocolate Festival, set for April 10 and 11 on Isla del Río Cuale. The two-day celebration highlights the traditions, history, and cultural importance of cacao in Mexico through a full program of educational, culinary, and artistic activities.
During a recent press conference, Alejandra Cornejo, Director of Economic Promotion and Tourism, emphasized that the festival has grown into an important space for preserving the historical and cultural heritage of cacao. She noted that the event offers an opportunity to share traditional knowledge with residents and visitors, while introducing new audiences to the cultural roots of this cherished ingredient.
Festival founder Alberta Snelli described the gathering as a space for community interaction, where ancestral knowledge and practices connected to cacao can be shared. She also announced that a film forum will be included in this year’s program, featuring a documentary that explores modern cacao-growing communities, their knowledge, and the challenges they face. The screening will be followed by a discussion with participants, including special guest Dr. Laura Aguilar.
Local cacao producer Eduardo Nava highlighted that the festival encourages people to discover cacao beyond its familiar role in chocolate. He explained that Puerto Vallarta is home to more than ten producers who work with cacao in various forms, helping strengthen the local market and expand appreciation for the crop.
Festival attendees can enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout both days. These include food and beverage tastings, workshops on preparing cocoa-based products, and lectures that explore cacao’s historical and cultural significance in Mexico. Visitors will also find a marketplace featuring cacao-based items such as cosmetics, artisanal chocolates, and handcrafted goods.
Education is a central theme of the festival. Organizers are holding a drawing contest in local elementary schools, where students will create illustrations of cacao trees. Selected artwork will be displayed in a gallery during the event, offering young artists a chance to showcase their creativity while learning about cacao’s importance.
Additional hands-on experiences, including artisanal chocolate-making workshops and guided sensory tastings, will be available to those who register in advance through the festival’s official website. In total, about 20 producers and artisans are expected to participate, including several from neighboring Nayarit.
Running daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, the festival offers free admission, making it accessible to families, residents, and visitors alike. Organizers also expressed gratitude for the support of municipal authorities, led by Mayor Luis Munguía, whose collaboration has helped bring the event to life.
With its blend of culture, education, and gastronomy, the Cacao and Chocolate Festival invites guests to connect with Mexico’s cacao traditions while enjoying a meaningful cultural experience rooted in community and heritage.
For more information about the festival, please visit the event’s official website or Facebook page.
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