Feasts in Mesoamerica served as settings for social and political negotiations. Wealthy or royal families hosted feasts for the purpose of gaining loyalty and a strong image that would help them politically or socially in the future. People of every social status hosted feasts as a celebration of family and life. There were two main types of feasts, as discussed by Lisa J. LeCount and suggested by Dietler, diacritical exclusionary events and inclusionary events. Diacritical feasts were hosted by the wealthy and powerful, with only a strict list of other elite guests. These feasts were to demonstrate differences in social status and ensure that other members of society knew who had the power. This is evident with royals, politicians and the elite gaining loyalty through hosting feasts or performing rituals. Inclusionary feasts were held to promote solidarity and equality among the entire community. The invitation list for these feasts was broader and the event was larger and in a public setting. Inclusionary feasts were celebrations by the community as a whole. The cuisine for inclusionary feasts was similar to that of daily meals, whereas for diacritical feasts the cuisine was higher end and meant to impress the guests. Feasts differed slightly throughout eras and various societies in Mesoamerica. Maya society Feasts in Maya society were composed of three parts: 1) worshiping of an ancestor by presenting offerings, 2) the sacrificing of the offerings, and 3) the consumption of foods that were blessed by the gods. The Maya hosted feasts for various reasons such as to celebrate marriages, deaths, health, various life events, farming celebrations, and holidays. Studies of the Late Classic Maya demonstrate a connection between feasting and politics. Maya feasting seems to have been very competitive among elites and royals who were trying to gain political loyalty by hosting the most extravagant feast with lavish foods and items. Ethnographic and ethnohistoric data shows that Late Classic Maya feasts were segmented into two corresponding parts: a private religious part and then a public festival. The private religious section was focused on gods, family, and ancestor worship while the public festival was often political or social. Rain ceremonies are an example of the segmented feasts that the Maya hosted. Public feasting Public feasting in Late Classic Maya society included the community as a whole, but still celebrated the elites and royals. Sixteenth Century Yucatec Maya display evidence of public feasting for