A Truly Special Cacao Ceremony in Flores

During our visit in April, we joined the local farmers for a special cacao ceremony. It was a beautiful moment that brought us all together and marked the start of a great partnership

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Connecting Through Tradition & Sharing

The ceremony was held outdoors in the lush, green landscapes of Flores. We were surrounded by nature and all dressed in the traditional IKAT clothes. It all started with the chopping of the ceremonial cacao block on a wooden board and slowly bringing the pot to boil over the open fire.

As we prepared the cacao, the farmers shared their traditional cultivation and harvest methods and stories. The farmers explained each step of the process, sharing their approach to sustainable cacao farming. We learned about the traditional methods they use to cultivate and harvest cacao, methods that have been passed down through generations. The intimate connection to the land and the passion was evident in every word.

Drinking Cacao Together

After preparing the cacao, we sat down to drink it together. The ceremony wasn't just about drinking cacao; each sip was a reminder of the hard work and passion behind it. We talked about our shared hopes for the future, focusing on how we can support each other and grow together. This ceremony was truly about building trust and long term friendship.

We closed with a round of gratitude sharing followed by some singing. One of the women from the village bought a guitar and everyone was invited to sing and clap along.  Despite the language barrier, it was clear that a connection beyond words has been created.This ceremony was the beginning of our partnership with the farmers of Flores. It was a bonding moment full of respect and hope!