Kathmandu Marriott ushers in the festive season with the Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony

KATHMANDU, Nov 17:The Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, along with Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, celebrated the commencement of its annual Cake Mixing Ceremony today at 4:00 PM. The colorful event not only marked the beginning of the holiday period but also kickstarted the 50-day countdown to the New Year—a tradition dear to Kathmandu Marriott.

Vishal Mehra, Cluster General Manager of Kathmandu Marriott termed this event far beyond a food tradition. "It's about bringing people together, celebrating community spirit, and promoting sustainability while embracing the joy of the holidays," he added, explaining the broader significance of the event. He stated that this festive event was a brilliant way to mix up cheer, joy and happiness with fruits, spirits and spices, immortalizing the bond between the hotel and its guests. 

Originated as a communal activity to prepare for holiday treats, this cake-mixing tradition has its roots in 17th-century Europe. At the Kathmandu Marriott event, a number of dried fruits were blended together, including raisins, cherries, and figs, with nuts like almonds and cashews, a plethora of spices, and soaked in a rich mix of rum, brandy, wine, and fruit juices. This mix shall be left to rest for weeks, so that all flavors come together and bring into being the iconic desserts of the hotel in their festive avatar. It was said that the blend is aged to perfection to be used next year. 

This was a majestic meeting of diplomats, corporate figures, hotel staff, chefs, and media representatives who all took part in the lively preparation. It was a participatory program where every person was a patissier contributing to a perfect pastry. This was especially joyful for the staff, who also had their turn mixing for the cake with unbridled joy. 

Later, the output of this collaboration would be transformed into a variety of Christmas sweets, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries, shared with guests and children all over the Kathmandu Valley. They will take center stage on various holiday events: the Thanksgiving Celebration, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Advent Calendar events running from December 1 to 25. The commitment to giving back by Kathmandu Marriott will similarly shine through an invitation for children from Baby Life Home, Blind Children Educational Center, and Mendies Haven to join in the festivities.

The 50-day countdown to the New Year has begun, setting up the stage for the season of joy and togetherness with connection at Kathmandu Marriott.