COME AND ENJOY OUR CACAO BAR and Ceremonies

A cacao bar is a type of ceremonial or wellness experience that involves consuming a drink made from ceremonial grade cacao, the raw, minimally processed form of chocolate. These bars often host social events that are centred around consuming cacao in a mindful, communal setting.

What is Cacao?

1. Source: Cacao is derived from the seeds of the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao. It's the purest form of chocolate, often referred to as "raw" chocolate. Our cacao is ceremonial grade. 

2. Nutritional Content: Cacao is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and other nutrients. It's often praised for its health benefits, including mood enhancement and providing a mild energy boost.

The Cacao Bar Experience:

1. Ceremonial Setting: A cacao bar event often takes on a ceremonial aspect, grounded in traditions that link back to indigenous customs, particularly those from Central and South America. At Silva Cafe we host our ceremonies on the lower ground in our studio.

2. Mindful Consumption: Participants consume a drink made from cacao paste (sometimes mixed with water, and other spices or sweeteners) in a setting that often encourages mindfulness and presence.

3. Facilitator or Guide: Many cacao bar experiences are led by a facilitator who guides participants through the ceremony, often incorporating elements like meditation, sound, or dance to enhance the experience.

How Does it Work?

1. Preparation: Our cacao comes in a block form and is prepared by mixing it with hot water or oat milk. It might be sweetened with natural sweeteners like honey or agave, and can include spices such as cinnamon or chili for additional flavor.

2. Intention Setting: The ceremony commonly begins with setting an intention, where participants reflect on what they want to gain or release during the experience.

3. Consumption: Participants then consume the cacao beverage slowly, savoring the flavors and allowing the compounds in cacao to influence their state of mind. This might include increased alertness, focus, or a feeling of euphoria due to the presence of mood-enhancing chemicals like theobromine and anandamide in cacao.

4. Integration: After consuming the cacao, the ceremony may continue with meditation, sharing circles, or movement activities, providing a space to express any emotions or insights that arise.

5. Community Aspect: Often, the experience is about connection — both inwardly with oneself and outwardly with others, fostering a sense of community.

Benefits of a Cacao Bar Experience:

1. Mood Enhancement: Cacao contains compounds that can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness.

2. Heart Opening: The ceremonial aspect is often described as "heart-opening," promoting emotional release and connection.

3. Increased Energy and Focus: While gently energizing, the calming effects can also increase focus without the jitteriness associated with caffeine.