Cacao Festival 2026: Pan de Muerto and Chocolate Arrive in Mexico City
As one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions approaches, the arrival of pan de muerto and hot chocolate signals the start of Day of the Dead festivities. This autumn, the Cacao Festival 2026 will transform southern Mexico City into a vibrant hub of traditional flavors, cultural expressions, and family-friendly activities.
The 16th edition of “Cacao Para Todos” will gather cacao producers, chocolatiers, artisans, and specialists to offer a rich program of tastings, workshops, conferences, and presentations over four days. This event also marks 12 years of promoting the trades associated with cacao, a revered ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
When and Where is the Cacao Festival 2026?
The festival will take place from Thursday, October 29, to Sunday, November 1, 2026. Stalls and activities will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring visitors have ample time to enjoy the offerings.
The venue for this year’s festival is the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, located at Calle Museo 150, San Pablo Tepetlapa, Coyoacán, Mexico City. This iconic space will host a wide array of products crafted by master chocolatiers from various regions of the country.
How to Get There?
By Public Transport:
- Take Metro Line 2 to the Tasqueña terminal.
- Transfer to the Light Rail and alight at either Xotepingo or Nezahualpilli stations.
- From either station, you can walk approximately 10-15 minutes or take a microbus or combi towards the museum’s street.
By Car:
- Drive south on Calzada de Tlalpan or take Avenida División del Norte, then head towards the museum’s street.
- Note: Parking near the venue may be limited and crowded during the festival weekend. Arriving early or using ride-sharing applications is recommended.
Admission to the expo-sale area is completely free. Visitors only need to budget for purchasing food, beverages, chocolates, and handicrafts.
Activities to Celebrate Day of the Dead
The 2026 edition features a program focused on gastronomy, knowledge, and culture surrounding cacao. Visitors can explore various stands, enjoy traditional beverages, and participate in learning sessions about the cacao transformation process.
Main Activities:
- Artisan Chocolate: Bars for preparing in milk or water, high-purity chocolates, gourmet jams, and sweets.
- Traditional Beverages: Freshly prepared tejate, tascalate, pozol, chilate, and stone-ground chocolate.
- Gastronomy and Pastries: Artisan pan de muerto and seasonal snacks to accompany hot drinks.
- Workshops and Conferences: Dedicated spaces to explain the cultural value of cacao, its transformation, and sustainable production aspects.
- Live Music and Handicrafts: Artistic performances and sale of pieces inspired by this sacred seed in various Mexican traditions.
The Cacao Festival 2026 aims to be a meeting point for those who wish to savor the autumn flavors in the capital, learn more about the history of cacao, and experience one of the most representative seasons of Mexican gastronomy.
Contact Information
- Event Organizers: Cacao Para Todos
- Venue: Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, Calle Museo 150, San Pablo Tepetlapa, Coyoacán, Mexico City.
- Email: [email protected] (for general inquiries)
- Website: www.cacaoparatodos.org (for event updates and detailed program)
Source: Infobae Mexico
