International Chocolate Day: Mayas considered it sacred and its tradition continues in Yucatán

MÉRIDA, Yucatan – Wednesday, September 13, International Chocolate Day was celebrated in Merida where a long history precedes this internationally acclaimed icon of Mexico: Chocolate. In ancient times, this drink was only reserved for Maya rulers and priests, for its flavor and stimulating value.

According to National Geographic, for the Maya, cacao was the most important crop from a commercial point of view, and the food was part of ceremonies because it was considered a sacred food.
Both because it grew in a small area and because of the complexity of its handling, cacao became a luxury product in Maya society and began to gain importance in the Classic period (150-900 A.D.).

Chocolate artisans
In Yucatán, artisan chocolatiers from various municipalities such as Teabo and Tekax, continue to elaborate tablets with cacao seeds, which go through an ancient process of roasting, grinding, and twisting to form the tablets, which are sweetened with cane sugar, piloncillo, or honey.
Also in Uxmal is the Choco-Story Museum, which has an area where visitors can make their home chocolate production.

Why is International Chocolate Day celebrated?
The date was chosen in honor of writer Roald Dahl, author of the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory“. September 13 is also the birthday of Milton S. Hershey, a famous confectioner who founded the company that bears his last name: Hershey’s.

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