Discovery Pack

Panan: The Gentle Mother. The name “Panan” originates from the Tz’utujil phrase “Pa Nana,” meaning “for the mother,” a tribute to the nurturing feminine. This village, neighboring Chicacao, lies in an ancestral cacao-producing region believed to have been a site of devotion to the sacred feminine before colonization. Historically, cacao in this area was closely tied to goddess figures and maternal energies, with ceremonies and altars likely dedicated to their reverence.

Panan cacao is cultivated by the Ovalle family—Jose Luis, Alba Laeticia, and their daughters Alba Dalila and Mariza Maribel—on two medium-sized parcels near the village. These parcels are part of a larger mosaic of family-owned lands, continuing a legacy of care and connection to the land.

In the heart of Alta Verapaz lies Cahabón, a small town held by lush mountains and the gentle flow of the river. This is a place where the spirit of community thrives, woven together by the hands of Q’eqchi’ farming families who cultivate not just the land, but a rich tapestry of connection and resilience. Here, amidst breathtaking landscapes, the roots of cacao run deep, nourished by a culture that celebrates cooperation and support.

In Cahabón, cacao is a symbol of abundance, resilience, and love—a treasure born from the earth, nurtured by generations, and shared with the world. As you savor each sip, remember that you are tasting not just cacao, but the heart and soul of a community that thrives against the odds, deeply rooted in tradition and committed to a sustainable future.