The University of North Georgia’s Latino Student Association hosted Loteria night in the student center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Loteria, in Spanish, translates to Bingo in English.

The game features cards with illustrations of Mexican aesthetics. When the announcer calls a character in the game, the players puts a bean in the respective slot that was called. At the beginning of the game, the rules are announced on how to win, so when beans are placed on four images vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, the player wins. In some games, the whole card has to be “blacked out” or covered by beans entirely. For a player to announce they have won, they yell “LOTERIA,” and the announcer checks their card to confirm. 

LSA president Mauricio Picazzo announcing cards to play

What was unique from this event in school is that LSA took the literal route and brought out the characters of the game. For example, when the sun was called, a canvas of the sun with a selfie hole was shown. “I think it was really fun. I think the crowd really enjoyed the props we came up with.” said Mauricio Picazzo, President of LSA.

“I enjoyed the interactive twist. It was so much fun because I feel like it was an opportunity to step into your culture, step into the game, and be surrounded by the things that you see at home.”- LSA Vice President, Fatima Santillan. 

Fatima Santillan playing as the drunk character from La Loteria.

During the small breaks, the players ate snacks including pizza and chicken wings. “I thought the event was pretty nice, it was pretty cool … they had free food, and overall, I just liked it. said Rodrick Brown, a freshman at UNG.

For those that won a match, LSA gave out bags of chips and had four Starbucks gift cards to award to their winners. The audience was comprised of experienced players and others that were new to the game. “My experience at learning the game was harder for me since I don’t know Spanish.” said Rodrick. Others had a nostalgic feel to the game. “I thought it’d be hard [learning the game], but it was pretty easy, it was just bingo.” 

Other students who had never played the game also had fun. “It’s always great to learn something new, you know. It was really fun.” Students who played Loteria for the very first time at school won! “I would definitely play again, I won this time, so I would definitely play again.” 

A lot of students enjoyed the event. “ I think the event went really well. It was nice to see everybody come together and do something we all did as kids … and I think everybody had a good time.” said Santillan.

Students playing Loteria.

A future event that will take place on campus is as follows: “We have Dia de Los Muertos coming up at the beginning of November, it is a day that we honor our passed [deceased] family members, and that’ll be taking place here on campus.” said Picasso, President of LSA. 

Students posing with the Loteria playing card.

Students posing with the Loteria playing card.

Student portraying “La Chalupa,” or in English, “A small boat full of goodies.”