The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) hosted Lotería Night on Sept. 11. This event was held a week after their first Social Night at Jefe Paletas. In the Student Center Terrace, all students were welcome to participate in the traditional Mexican bingo game with prizes offered to the winners.

Lotería carries the same concept as the American version of bingo, where you must fill your board with a decided pattern of tokens. The difference is that instead of matching letters and numbers, you match pictures on your Lotería card with colorful images presented by the game host.

Victoria Flores, secretary of LASO, shared a memory of playing Lotería traditionally with her family during the holidays. 

“Every Christmas, I play with my relatives that come from Georgia,” Flores said. They were all born in Mexico, so we play it traditionally, and we also do bets. I’ve never won much, but mi tío, always.”

For the game played that evening, four Lotería winners received a prize each. Each player had a chance to take home Bad Bunny slippers, a “Yo Hablo Español” pin, a concha blanket, or an “Anything for Selenas” tote bag.

Ryan Bates, the President and social media manager of LASO expressed that the goal as an organization is to “spread Latin American culture around campus [to] not only students, but faculty and staff.”

“Through food sales and fun events, we allow [those who are interested] to experience the culture while promoting the Latino population on campus together. In the past, we have sold aguas frescas, conchas (a Mexican sweet bread) and Mexican fruit cups, and they all had great turnouts.”

LASO has grown remarkably after starting back up in 2021, explained Eddie Rodriguez, former Vice President and founding member. 

“If you’re interested in learning more about our community, I suggest coming by and seeing what we have to say,” Rodriquez said. “[See] how small we are as a community, but how impactful we can be.”

Bates encourages students to attend LASO’s first meeting on Sept. 25 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Student Center Terrace. Club membership includes half off t-shirts, discounts on LASO food sales, complimentary items throughout the year, and opportunities to volunteer. To stay updated with LASO, follow their Instagram for upcoming events and important announcements.