Sinergia x Cacao Lab: Cacao Gathering Festival

Cacao Dance & Cacao Ceremonies: A 2-Day Outdoor Gathering

For the first time in Slovenia, we are welcoming you to a 2-day festival gathering devoted to Ceremonial Cacao, in collaboration with Sinergia and Cacao Laboratory, featuring Florencia Fridman (Argentina) and Tata Walter (Guatemala).

The gathering is a space for dance, music, co-creation, and ancestral education. It is a journey of ceremony and true connection, where we move beyond the mind to rediscover who we are and express our most natural selves freely.

In a world filled with constant noise, technology, and endless distractions, Cacao invites us to slow down and reconnect. Together, we will step away from the daily hustle and turn inward, allowing the heart to guide us through a journey of gratitude and authentic connection. In these two days, we will focus on the powerful medicine of Cacao, which will support us in our co-creation of free expression and exploration.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Traditional Cacao ceremonies and Ancient Wisdom: Authentic Mayan ritual and storytelling led by Tata Walter and Florencia Fridman. 

• Cacao Dance: A movement journey with Manu. From quiet grounding to high-energy joy.

• Voice & Rhythm: Finding your own expression through drumming and song.

• Community Connection: Open jams and fire-side sharing under the stars.

• Ceremonial Cacao preparation: Learn how to prepare your own ceremonial cup of cacao. 

THE LOGISTICS: 

📍 Location: Gradiško Jezero, Slovenia (Mazi’jev Grič) 

📅 Date: August 28th – 29th, 2026 

⛺ Stay: Campsite available on-site. For those seeking more comfort, Glamping options are available - https://mazijevgric.si/

No distractions. Just the lake, the fire, and the tribe. 🤎

THE PROGRAM

Day 1: Roots & Connection

• Intro Circle: Opening the space together.

• Traditional Cacao Ceremony: Led by Tata Walter (Mayan Kaqchikel tradition) and Florencia Fridman. A journey rooted in the Cholq’ij (sacred calendar) to explore the elements and the heart’s wisdom.

• Singing Circle with Arijana Aska: Harmonizing through the power of voice.

• Open Jam around the Fire: Connecting through music and presence.

Day 2: Expression & Expansion

• Morning Mayan-inspired Yoga Flow: Awakening the body in nature.

• Vocal Activation & Drumming Circle: Releasing our authentic rhythm.

• Discussion Panel: Featuring Florencia Fridman, Tata Walter, and Manu.

• "Ceremony before Ceremony": A co-created ritual of preparing the Cacao.

• Traditional Cacao Ceremony: Led by Tata Walter (Mayan Kaqchikel tradition) and Florencia Fridman.

• Cacao Dance with Manu: Ecstatic Dance DJ set supported by live instruments.

• Open Jam around the Fire: Closing the circle with celebration.

THE CO-CREATORS

🔹 TATA WALTER (Guatemala) Hailing from the shores of Lake Atitlán, Tata Walter (Walter Quiacain) is a respected Spiritual Guide (Ajq'ij) of the Mayan Kaqchikel tradition. As a keeper of the sacred Mayan calendar (Cholq’ij), he brings a lifetime of ancestral wisdom to our circle. His work bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern life, helping us understand our place within the natural world and the spiritual elements that guide us.

🔹 FLORENCIA FRIDMAN (Argentina/NYC) Florencia is a visionary and the co-founder of Cacao Laboratory. Having spent years studying under Mayan elders in Guatemala, she serves as a bridge between indigenous wisdom and the global community. She is a multi-disciplinary artist who weaves together yoga, sound, and plant medicine to help people silence the mind and reconnect with the intelligence of the heart.

🔹 MANUEL WEDRA - MANU (Sinergia) On of the co-founder and driving forces behind the Sinergia and Flows projects, Manuel is a dedicated researcher of human potential through movement, ancestral wisdom and authentic expression. He creates safe, grounded environments where music and dance become tools for deep self-exploration. As a DJ and facilitator, he specializes in holding the space, guiding participants from gentle inward reflection to high-energy, ecstatic expression.

ABOUT CEREMONIAL CACAO

Cacao is a gentle yet powerful heart-opening plant medicine. As its warmth moves through the body, it helps soften emotional blocks, nurture self-love, invites connection and bring greater clarity and intention into our lives. It creates a supportive space where genuine connection can flourish and creativity can awaken. Theobroma cacao is an ancient plant that nourishes our body and spirit in profound ways. 

🎟 Join us for this unique experience by the Gradiško lake ❤️

If you have any questions write us on [email protected] or [email protected]