Several student-led Hispanic and community organizations hosted the Lotería event in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

The event, hosted by Hermana y Hermano and the campus chapter of the Sigma Iota Alpha (SIA) Hispanic sorority, in collaboration with the Student Activities Board (SAB) and the Multicultural Center, was held Thursday, Oct. 9.

The second of two large events being organized by Hermana y Hermano to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Lotería brought forth life, tradition and culture to the Reng Student Union, as Latino students shared a piece of home with their Arkansas State University community. 

Latino music sounded from speakers as guests arrived and ate sugar-coated churros before the awaited centerpiece of the event, the Lotería games, began. This year, Lotería winners were awarded prizes. The prizes, consisting of goodie bags and college merchandise, were catered by the SIA sorority sisters and SAB.

The name of the event, Lotería, directly translates in English to lottery and stems from the board game that, although originating in Italy and traveling to Mexico in 18th century colonial time, has established itself in becoming a symbolic part of Mexican culture over the centuries. 

The game is played much like bingo, although with traditional images in the place of each space on the Lotería cards, and winners must shout “buenas” or “lotería” to announce their victory. 

Edward Jackson, a junior Political Science major from Tyler, Texas, recalled memories of playing Lotería with his family when he was younger. He said gathering around the dinner table and playing Lotería with family is a memorable childhood tradition for many Latino students. 

“I think Lotería is a staple game in the Hispanic community, and I’ve been playing it since I was like, four, so I think it embodies the Hispanic Heritage Month pretty well,” Jackson said. “It just invites people to come join. Most people here aren’t Hispanic and [Lotería] invites them to join us.”

Ellie Suggs, a junior nursing major from High Point, North Carolina, said celebrating one’s heritage out-loud is important.

“I just feel like [one’s heritage] is something that everyone needs, and I feel like it’s something that everyone can enjoy, and that we shouldn’t be private about celebrating people’s culture and who they are,” Suggs said. “I feel like that’s something that everyone should celebrate.”

Will Glass, a graduate student in finance from Jonesboro, said the event had a strong impact on him.

“I think [this event] really brings people together, and it builds a sense of community, letting everyone know to stay informed while bringing us into their life. It’s a good experience,” Glass said. “[I got] to learn more and to step out of myself and into a cherished community with others.”

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