A Gentle Way to Begin the Year: An Andean-Inspired Cacao Ceremony in Glasgow
- Jenny Clark
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
January often arrives carrying expectation.
New goals. New habits. New versions of ourselves we feel pressured to step into quickly.
At Nest, we believe beginnings don’t have to be rushed. They can be slow, intentional, and rooted in connection, to ourselves, to community, and to the natural rhythms around us.
On Saturday 31 January 2026, we are honoured to host Tinkuy with Mama Kakaw, an Andean-inspired cacao ceremony in Glasgow, guided by Erika Huarcaya, a native Peruvian space holder rooted in ancestral tradition.
This gathering offers a gentle, grounded way to begin the year, not by striving, but by listening.
What Is a Cacao Ceremony?
A cacao ceremony is a communal gathering where ceremonial-grade cacao is shared intentionally as a supportive plant ally for reflection, presence, and connection.
Across Central and South America, cacao has been honoured for generations, not as a stimulant or indulgence, but as a relational plant, deeply connected to community, land, and ritual.
In ceremonial settings:
cacao is prepared in its pure, unprocessed form
it is shared slowly and consciously
the focus is on presence rather than performance
Cacao does not force an experience. It does not alter consciousness in the way psychedelics do. Instead, it invites, inviting you to slow down, soften, and become more aware of what is already present within you.
Cacao in Andean-Inspired Practice
In Andean-inspired traditions, life is understood as relational.
Humans, plants, land, ancestors, and community are all part of a living web, each influencing and supporting the other. Cacao, within this worldview, is honoured as a plant ally that supports moments of transition, grounding, and connection.
Cacao is held in relationship with:
Pachamama (Mother Earth)
seasonal cycles
community gatherings
rites of passage and beginnings
This relational approach shapes how cacao is offered in ceremony with humility, gratitude, and respect.
Honouring Lineage: Who Is Guiding This Ceremony?
Tinkuy with Mama Kakaw is guided by Erika Huarcaya, a native Peruvian rooted in Andean tradition.
Erika’s grandmother was a traditional Andean midwife, supporting women and families through birth using ancestral knowledge passed down through generations. She was also the woman who brought Erika into this world, holding her with care, prayer, and traditional birthing practices.
Within these traditions, cacao was honoured ceremonially as a supportive plant ally, present during moments of transition and care. This early relationship with cacao has remained a quiet but steady presence throughout Erika’s life, shaping the way she listens, gathers, and holds space.
Erika does not come as an authority or teacher in the conventional sense, but as a guardian of remembrance, carrying forward a relationship with cacao rooted in lived experience, humility, and respect.
What Does “Tinkuy” Mean?
Tinkuy is a Quechua word meaning “a sacred meeting” a coming together of people, energies, intentions, and paths.
It speaks to:
shared presence
mutual respect
meeting without hierarchy
gathering in a spirit of care
This ceremony is a tinkuy, a place where people meet one another as they are, without pressure to fix, perform, or become something else.
Why a Cacao Ceremony in January?
Winter invites us inward.
The shorter days and quieter pace of January create a natural moment for reflection, yet culturally, we often push against this, demanding productivity and transformation before we are ready.
This cacao ceremony offers an alternative:
a pause instead of a push
listening instead of striving
gentleness instead of urgency
Because this is our first cacao ceremony of 2026, it is offered at a community price, honouring accessibility and shared care as we begin the year together.
What to Expect at This Cacao Ceremony in Glasgow
This gathering is intentionally simple, grounded, and human.
You can expect:
gentle breathing practices
guided reflective processes
Andean-inspired sound and rhythm
traditional Andean instruments
intention setting
sharing ceremonial cacao
a calm, held space where each person is listened to with respect
There is no pressure to speak, share, or experience anything in a particular way. You are welcome to participate at your own pace, in your own way.
Is a Cacao Ceremony Safe?
Ceremonial cacao is generally considered gentle and supportive for most people.
At this gathering:
cacao is offered consciously and in moderate amounts
participants are always invited to choose how much to drink
opting out entirely is always welcome
Cacao is not a psychedelic and does not cause hallucinations or loss of control.
However, cacao is not a medical treatment and is not a substitute for psychological or physical healthcare.
If you have specific health concerns, you are encouraged to listen to your body and seek professional advice where needed.
Who Is This Cacao Ceremony For?
This cacao ceremony in Glasgow is open to all genders and backgrounds.
It may resonate with you if you are:
feeling called to slow down and reconnect
seeking gentle introspection
craving community without pressure
curious about ancestral-inspired practices
wanting to mark a transition or new beginning
interested in cacao as a plant ally
No previous experience with cacao, meditation, or ceremony is needed.
Who This May Not Be For
This gathering may not be suitable if you are seeking:
a party or entertainment experience
altered states or intense catharsis
quick fixes or guaranteed outcomes
clinical or therapeutic treatment
The intention is presence, not performance.
Why We’re Hosting This at Nest Glasgow
Nest exists to offer spaces where people can feel held, supported, and human, especially during seasons of transition.
Hosting this cacao ceremony aligns deeply with our values:
community over productivity
care over urgency
connection over perfection
We are honoured to welcome Erika and hold this gathering within the Nest space.
Event Details: Cacao Ceremony in Glasgow
🌿 Tinkuy with Mama Kakaw 🌿
An Andean-Inspired Cacao Ceremony
📍 Where: Nest, Glasgow
📅 Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00–7:00 pm
🤍 Exchange: £38 per person (community price)
📩 To receive full details or reserve your place:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is cacao a drug?
No. Ceremonial cacao is a natural plant food and is not classified as a drug or psychedelic.
Will I feel “high”?
No. Cacao works subtly, supporting presence rather than altering consciousness.
Do I have to share or speak?
No. Sharing is always optional.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many people attend alone and are warmly welcomed.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, an open heart, and anything you need to feel cosy.
If you are longing for a slower, more intentional way to begin the year, one rooted in presence, ancestry, and community, you would be warmly welcome.
This is an invitation to meet yourself gently, and to gather with others in care.
Comments