HISTORY LOTERIA

Loteria was originated in Italy in the 15th century and was brought to New Spain (Mexico) in 1769. It begin to be a hobby for the upper classes. Then, it became a tradition at Mexican fairs.

Loteria is kinda the same as bingo, but using cards that have a picture on it. Also, it has 54 cards and in the back of each card there are riddles. To start the game, the caller (cantor, or singer) randomly selects a card from the deck and announces it to the players by its name, sometimes using a riddle.

EL MUNDO ("THE WORLD")

• The card number is 37.
• Its meaning is that the world is a sphere and we are too many.
• In Spanish is este mundo es una bola, y nosotros un bolón.

LA CORONA ("THE CROWN")

• The card number is 47.
• It means the hat of the kings.
• In Spanish el sombrero de los reyes.

EL APACHE ("THE APACHE")

• The card number is 38
• It means Ah, Chihuahua! So many Apaches with pants and huaraches.
• In Spanish Ah, Chihuahua! Cuánto apache con pantalón y huarache.

EL BORRACHO ("THE DRUNKARD")

• The card number is 25
• It means that I cannot put up with the foolish drunk.
• In Spanish a qué borracho tan necio ya no lo puedo aguantar.

EL COTORRO ("THE PARROT")

• The card number is 24
• It means hey parrot, put out your claw and start to talk
• In Spanish Cotorro cotorro saca la pata, y empiézame a platicar.

When you play loteria the players with a matching pictogram on their board, they mark it off with a chip or other kind of marker. Mexican people traditionally use small rocks, crown corks or pinto beans as markers).

The first player with four chips in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row, squared pattern,any other previously specified pattern, or fills the tabla first wins and wins the money. If you win you need to say "loteria"! Or "Buena's"!