Did you see today's Google Doodle? They're celebrating the popular game from Latin America, Lotería!
If you click on the Doodle, you'll have the chance to play Lotería yourself! The interactive game allows you to play with another person who may be with you, or with someone online (you don't know who!). Don't know how to play? No problem. They give you directions at the very beginning.
When I went ahead and clicked on the link to learn more about the story behind the Lotería Doodle, I found this lovely page full of information not only about the game itself, but also about the guest artists behind it: Mexico-based Chabaski, Mexico-born Cecilia, Hermosillo-born Luis Pinto, Los Angeles-based Loris Lora, and Mexico City-based Vals. Click the link above to learn more about them, read a Q & A, and see some photos of their artwork in progress. It also includes this video:
Lotería isn't just played in Mexico. Several countries in Latin America play the game. In fact, one of my favorite books, Playing Lotería/El juego de la lotería (aff link), is written by René Colato Laínez, who once said in an interview, "Part for the inspiration [behind the story] was my love for the Lotería. I grew up in El Salvador saying the phrases: “El arbol”, “El gallo”, “El corazón.” The Lotería was the most popular spot at the fairs and festivals. Every time, we went to la feria, I had my favorite places to visit: the circus, the rides, and of course the lotería stand."
(Check back tomorrow to read the complete interview!)
So you see, the game is beloved throughout much of Latin America.
And did you know, that I have two versions of Lotería that you can instantly download, print, and play?
My Alphabet Lotería is a fun way to reinforce ABC's. Many of the words/images are Spanish/English cognates (i.e., jalapeño, empanada, piñata), while others merely start with the same letter (i.e., avocado/aguacate, night/noche, sun/sol). It comes with:
- A brief history of Lotería
- Ways to play
- Ways to win
- 12 tablas (game boards) - 6 in English, and 6 in Spanish
And my second game - Lotería de Muertos - is the same but with a Día de los Muertos theme. :)