Cacao Ceremony. From Soil to Soul: A Journey Through Culture, Connection, and Regeneration in Montecito

On a brisk, starry evening last Friday, December 6, Montecito hosted an event that transcended a typical gathering. Hosted by Farmer’s Footprint and Project Biome, initiatives championed by visionary Dr. Zach Bush, the evening was rife with storytelling, sensory experiences, and cultural appreciation. Held in an intimate venue redolent with art and music, the event’s effect was to powerfully remind attendees that to move forward, we must first reach back – honoring and utilizing the wisdom of the past to guide our stewardship of the planet.

Guests were welcomed with ceremonial cacao upon arrival, a gesture that activated them into the space. Sourced from regenerative farms in Papua New Guinea and infused with Rongoā Māori medicinal plants, the cacao symbolized the balance of nature’s energies. Though each guest sampled only one of three blends – feminine, masculine, or neutral – the experience set the tone for an evening in which participants were invited to connect deeply with the Earth and one another.

Following this activation, attendees literally journeyed through an immersive, multi-sensory space, starting with “Always” and moving through “Yesterday,” “Today,” and finally “Tomorrow.” Each room offered a distinct narrative layer, drawing participants into themes of reconnection, regeneration, and rewilding. Along the way, they enjoyed culinary delights from India, the Chumash, Senegal, Brazil, and Angola. These included  breads, rice dishes, samosas, stews, and more. A grand banquet and specialty cocktails awaited guests at the journey’s end, celebrating global culinary traditions.

The final room, titled “2042,” offered a sobering glimpse into an Orwellian future if humanity fails to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. It featured two actors in lab coats wielding spray bottles, symbolizing a grim world where synthetic sustenance replaces real food. This nod to dystopian futures like Soylent Green and THX 1138 left a lasting impression, emphasizing the real-world urgency of regenerating our increasingly exhausted soil.

Throughout the evening, art deepened the experience, as it will. A photography exhibit by artist Guigo Foggiatto showcased images from his book The Unseen Journey, which captures untold stories behind the nonprofit Playing for Change. The organization uses music and culture to unite communities, and instruments associated with its work were also featured, adding resonance to the evening.

The program officially began with a ceremonial activation led by Dr. Brett Jones, a natural healer, grounding the space and preparing attendees for transformative dialogue. Aubrey Yee, Executive Director of Project Biome Global, followed with an introduction to the organization’s mission of fostering global environmental stewardship. Alana Mooi, Managing Director of Farmer’s Footprint, shared her vision for creating a regenerative future, emphasizing how community-driven efforts are key to healing both people and the planet.

Alana sat down with sisters Belle Hahn and Lily Hahn Shining for a heartfelt discussion about the role of philanthropy in supporting these movements. They spoke passionately about the need to not just give money but also give consciousness – ensuring resources are used to create meaningful change. Their discussion underscored that true progress comes from “restorying” our connection to the land, food, and one another.

The heart of the evening was a panel discussion moderated by Aubrey Yee, featuring Dr. Zach Bush, Oliver English, and Maria Elena “Mia” Lopez. Dr. Bush shared insights on healing human health and the ecosystems that sustain it, accentuating our deeply intimate connection with land and food. Oliver English, a filmmaker and chef, discussed how storytelling can inspire systemic change in food systems. Mia Lopez, representing the Chumash Tribe, brought wisdom from her Indigenous heritage, urging attendees to honor ancestral knowledge while reimagining sustainable futures.

To a largely women-based audience, the panel carried a powerful message: women must play a critical role in advocating for this mission and protecting Mother Earth. By reconnecting with the nurturing power that women have historically held as caretakers of land and community, the panelists emphasized that a brighter, more regenerative future depends on empowering women to lead the way. Together, they underscored the importance of reconnecting with the land, regenerating ecosystems, and rewilding imaginations to ensure a thriving future.

The evening concluded with a somatic journey led by ceremonial sound and voice therapist Rouhangeze. This transformative session invited participants to explore their embodied presence through sound, grounding the wisdom and connections shared throughout the evening. It was a powerful close to an event designed to inspire reflection, connection, and action.

The event was both a celebration of culture in agriculture and a call to action. It reminded attendees that the health of our soil is the foundation of our food, communities, and shared humanity. The message was clear: If we fail to care for our soil, we risk defiling not just the ground beneath us but the legacy we leave for future generations.