Have you ever played Lotería? Lotería is a popular Mexican board game similar to Bingo, usually played in family reunions and community festivals. In this fascinating talk, Dr. Gloria Arjona delves into the origins of the Lotería, referring to its European origins, but also suggesting a close relation to the Aztec board game known as “patolli” in which the players used Cacao beans to play.  Learn why Lotería has a strong sense of identity among people of Mexican ancestry in the United States.

This presentation is interspersed with music interpreted by Dr. Arjona, and a game session in which she will do the traditional calling out, or “crying,” so the audience have a chance to play Lotería the original way.

Light refreshments provided courtesy of Los Amigos of the East Los Angeles Library.

Family