Families grabbed their kids and headed to Isla Rio Cuale last weekend. Puerto Vallarta kicked off its first Cacao and Chocolate Festival on April 10 and 11. Crowds filled the island for a free taste of Mexico’s ancient obsession with cacao. The vibe was relaxed, riverside, perfect for all ages.
Workshops let people grind beans by hand, just like the Aztecs did. Tastings featured artisanal chocolates mixed with chile or vanilla. Kids joined a drawing contest for cacao trees; winners got their art displayed right there. Lectures covered how cacao traveled from Mesoamerica to become a daily drink for rulers like Moctezuma. A marketplace sold handmade cosmetics and treats too. Everyone left with bags full.
Festival founder Alberta Snelli called it a spot for sharing old knowledge. Local grower Eduardo Nava pushed folks to see cacao beyond candy bars. It’s all about roots in Banderas Bay’s soil. Perfect for parents wanting screen-free learning. No big crowds, just riverside vibes. Cacao beans served as currency for Mayans and Olmecs. The festival revived that history with hands-on demos. Parents raved. One dad said it sparked kids’ curiosity about nature. Way better than any app or show. Location on Isla Rio Cuale gave easy access from downtown. Pair it with a Malecon walk for full day out.
This ties right into PV’s green scene. Check out the Vallarta Botanical Gardens for more plant adventures. And explore Banderas Bay, home to this eco fun. Families keep coming back. Events like this build the pull.
Next year? Book early. Cacao’s not just chocolate. It’s PV’s fresh family draw. Plan your trip around it.
Sources: Banderas News; Reminder Post; Banderas News Article; Official Site
