Wenatchee sets record for largest game of Lotería
Music, culture, food and history all came together at the Wenatchee Convention Center Friday, where hundreds gathered for a record-breaking game of Huenachi Lotería.
"Surreal, it's an absolute gift, my mind and heart and spirit are exploding, and it's wonderful to see what it's like when the community comes out together, which was the point," said Luis Rodriguez, Spanish teacher at Pinnacles Prep.
More than 735 people took part in what is now the world's largest Lotería game, beating the Guinness World Record of 281, set in Los Angeles, California, in 2017.
The traditional Mexican game is often compared to Bingo, but uses custom cards showing places, people or things. In Saturday's game, the cards represented the Wenatchee Valley.
The Lotería game titled "Huenachi Lotería" was created last spring by Rodriguez and his sophomore and freshman students, which is also accompanied by a book titled "Yo Soy Wenatchee."
Organizers said the game was created to represent the Wenatchee community and celebrate Latinos and non-Latinos.
Rodriguez reiterated that sentiment at Friday's event, as he emphasized the number of people attending with different backgrounds and cultures.
"We always need bridges. That's always the thing that's needed," he said. "We thrive off community. That's how we exist. That's how we've existed since the beginning of time, and if there was ever a time we really needed to dissolve walls and build bridges, it's certainly right now, and what more beautiful way than to celebrate the wealth that we have here in beautiful Wenatchee."
The event kicked off with Wenatchee mayor Mike Poirier, calling out the cards on the first round as the players filled the room with excitement. Organizers provided 10 rewards for a total of 10 rounds played.
Nora Valle, who said she helped during the planning stages of the event, described the gathering as a moment of unity for the community.
"For me, this is very significant because we can all be here, it doesn't matter if you're American or Mexican, or whatever your race is, we're all here in camaraderie," she said.
Valle said she was proud to see the turnout and the record-breaking effort come to life.
The custom Lotería game featured illustrations by Sara Hasslinger, who also credited Michelle Lee Murphy for leading the computer programming and digital production side of the artwork.
Hasslinger has also worked on other community projects, including the mural in downtown Wenatchee and the "Señora de Guadalupe" mural at Methow Market.
She said seeing the community embrace a project built through art and culture was both emotional and inspiring.
"It's a party," Hasslinger said. "So community and art are equally important in my life, and I do feel just so excited to be a part of something where I feel like it's both those things."
Baltazar Peña Ríos of Parque Padrinos said the game served as both a celebration of Mexican tradition and a reflection of life in the Wenatchee Valley.
"It is transformed to reflect life here in the valley and to communicate to any person that lives here in Wenatchee," Peña Ríos said.
Other organizers said the event exceeded expectations and could continue beyond this year's record attempt.
Sara Rolfs, executive director of Pinnacles Prep, said what began as a classroom idea quickly grew into a larger community effort fueled by volunteers and local partnerships.
"It just grew into this massive thing, which is beautiful," Rolfs said.
She said organizers have already discussed the possibility of making the event an annual tradition after support from the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.
Rodriguez said the game night was a "success," but beyond beating the world record, he hoped attendees would take more away.
"See how spectacular Wenatchee is, and also see it in a new way to practice español and make this place more accessible, more inclusive, letting everyone know everyone can be together, everyone belongs here," he said.
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