Julissa Santoyo – Mexico

The game of lotería brings back an overload of childhood memories, and it’s an honor to share them in celebration of my Mexican culture and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Growing up, every Sunday night my family and I would get together for a cafecito (late-night coffee). The adults would sit at the round kitchen table drinking their cafe con leche (coffee with milk) and having galletas (cookies), while the kids would gather around the living room coffee table and play.

Lotería is an iconic version of bingo with a twist that adds images relevant to Mexican folk tales and culture. The game was first introduced in Mexico from Spain in 1769. But it wasn’t until 1887, when Don Clemente Jacques began publishing the game, that it became popular. This game became a traditional hobby for soldiers during the Mexican War of Independence, who brought it back home to make this a family game.

Lotería isn't your typical family board game, and the friendly competition can easily escalate. Our evening get-togethers would easily turn into a friendly family feud over who won or lost until the next week. We played for money. The entry fee was $1, and whoever won took home the pot of gold. But mostly we loved spending time with one another and remembering this special part of our heritage.

I hope you’ll play lotería at your next game night with friends and family and explore a fun part of Mexican culture with me!