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If you’ve ever been in a Mexican household during a family gathering or a festive night, chances are someone pulled out a deck of vibrant cards and shouted, “¡El Diablito!” That’s Lotería — a beloved Mexican table game full of color, culture, and nostalgia.
How Lotería Works: Bingo with a Twist
Lotería is often called the “Mexican Bingo,” and it shares some similarities:
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Players have boards (tablas) with a grid of images.
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A caller randomly selects cards from a deck.
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Players mark the images on their boards when called, very often with dry beans!
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First to complete a board shouts “¡Lotería!” to win.
But unlike American bingo, which uses letters and numbers (like “B12” or “G58”), Lotería uses images — each with its own name, number, and often a short poetic riddle.
A Bit of History
You know the Spanish Empire included most of today’s Latin America and many regions of what is now Italy. So an ancient version of lotto came to Mexico through Italy (both were part of the same empire). Lotería in Mexico became especially popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, both as a party game and a tool for teaching vocabulary, culture, and literacy.
The most iconic version was created by Don Clemente Jacques in 1887, whose version is still used today.
The Iconic Cards
There are 54 cards in a traditional Lotería deck. Some of the most famous include:
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El Diablito – The little devil
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La Sirena – The mermaid
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El Catrín – The gentleman
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La Dama – The lady
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La Calavera – The skull
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El Borracho – The drunk
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La Estrella – The star
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El Corazón – The heart
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La Muerte – Death
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La Mano – The hand
Each card is accompanied by a short verse, sometimes humorous or ironic, adding charm and depth to the game.
More Than a Game
Lotería isn’t just entertainment — it’s a cultural snapshot of Mexico, capturing roles, symbols, and humor through vivid art and language. The game has inspired artists, fashion designers, educators, and musicians who reinterpret its symbols in modern ways.
You’ll find Lotería art on everything from T-shirts and tattoos to educational materials and bilingual classrooms. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn Spanish vocabulary, especially for beginners.
Where to Play
You can find physical decks in most Mexican markets, bookstores, or online. Digital versions are also available as apps and printable PDFs, perfect for language teachers and party hosts.
So next time you’re looking for a fun, visual way to connect with Mexican culture — or teach a little Spanish — try shouting “¡La Sirena!”.
