Mexico loves La Lotera Mexicana, a bingo-style game with colorful cards and occasionally matching language. This much-loved game, or juego, rose from being the pastime of social elites to a national phenomenon played by friends and familia at fiestas throughout the country.The game originated in Italy in the 15th century and was brought to New Spain (modern Mexico) in 1769. In the beginning, lotera was a hobby of the upper classes, but eventually it became a tradition at Mexican fairs. Don Clemente Jacques began publishing the game in 1887.
