Being stuck indoors gives you a lot of time to strengthen that family bond through games and recreation, such as playing Loteria.

What is Loteria?

The game of Lotería is played similarly to American Bingo. But unlike American Bingo, where the announcer calls out the selected letters and numbers and the players mark their game boards accordingly, the announcer in Loteria says a short poem or familiar phrase referring to the image in the card. Each player in Loteria uses a chip--traditionally a bean--to mark the corresponding spot on his or her tabla. In either game, the first player to fill the game board or tabla in a predefined pattern will shout "Loteria!" to win the game.

According to an article, the origin of lotería can be traced as far as the 15th century. Although this game is popular among Mexicans and other Latin Americans, the game originated in Italy and was brought to Mexico in 1769. At first, lotería was a hobby of the upper class, but as time went by, it became a tradition at Mexican fairs.

Don Clemente Jacques first published the images behind Loteria in 1887. The current images have become iconic in Mexican culture, but it has also gained popularity in the US and some European countries. 

If you're absolutely bored at home and you'd like to kill time and test your cleverness, check out these Loteria sets on Amazon:

Don Clemente Mexican Jumbo Loteria Set

This Loteria Set by Don Clemente makes Loteria easier to play for all ages. This set may have regular-sized cards, but the actual charts are about the size of a letter-size piece of paper that's big enough for older people and kids to see and read.

The set comes with 54 decks of playing cards, ten boards, and charts. Of course, like the original, you will have to provide your markers like the dry beans that were traditionally used, but you can also buy plastic Loteria markers on Amazon.

Naipes Gacela Loteria Mexicana

Up to 20 family members and friends can play this traditional Loteria set if you do have a large family at home. This 20-player set is five by eight inches and includes 20 Loteria boards. It also includes a deck with traditional illustrations that reminds you so much of home.

Loteria is also a fun way to teach your kids Spanish, practice your traditions, or show Mexican and Hispanic culture--all while having fun!

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Millennial Loteria Game

Want a fresh take on your Mexican bingo? This Millennial Loteria Game is an Amazon bestseller in trading card games.

Millennial Lotería is a hilarious and insightful parody of the classic Loteria, but this time, it's like way more millennial. If you're stuck somewhere far from home and around a lot of millennials your age, this game is not only fun and hilarious but also incredibly relatable. It has cards like La Feminist, La Student Debt, and El Hipster that you'll surely give a good laugh.

For more Loteria sets and other card games, visit Amazon now!