Google is pulling on my Mexican heartstrings! The most popular search engine, which from time-to-time uses its homepage logo as an interactive gateway to educate the public about historical figures and cultural traditions, has over the years celebrated Mexican heritage in beautiful and innovative ways. From honoring Mexican-American icon, Selena Quintanilla in 2017 to Frida Kahlo’s 103rd birthday in 2010, Google is doing a remarkable job of paying tribute to the people and traditions close to our Mexican heart. And today’s honor is just as touching. 

Google is celebrating the most beloved game in Mexican communities, the Lotería!

Perla Campos, Google Doodle’s Global Marketing Lead, is one of the people responsible for pushing Google’s innovation team to celebrate Mexican culture. She’s the one responsible for pushing the Selena Google Doodle for two years before its premiere. She did the same for the Lotería. 

“A smile instantly comes to my face every time I think of Lotería,” Campos wrote on the Google page. “I think of being with my extended family in Mexico for the holidays, scattering around my Tia Cruz’s house, anxiously waiting for a round to start. I think of us tossing beans at each other in attempts to distract the other from our boards. Most importantly, I think of the laughter, the excitement, and how all the worries of the world melted away as this game brought us together, even if just for a few hours.”

The Lotería Google Doodle isn’t just a visual that shares the story of its history but also an interactive game that people can play with friends or strangers.

Google states that this game is their second-ever multiplayer experience. Campos said that Google was looking to incorporate an interactive game and, of course, she told them about the Lotería. 

“Upon being prompted to think of possible interactive Doodles to create for the following year, Lotería almost instantly came to mind,” Campos said. “I wondered: If this simple game was so magical and powerful in its original state, how might that be amplified in the digital space? And so the Lotería Doodle was born.”

Playing the Lotería that we have played all of our lives and playing the Lotería Doodle is two different things. Here’s why. 

As I launched into a round of Lotería on the Google page, I surely thought I was going to win until I realized the Lotería playing card didn’t have all of the recognizable characters and icons. In other words, Google reimagined the Lotería card — as other artists have also done with the Lotería card — to fit their brand. So, people will see an “emoji” icon or “la concha.” 

What makes this card and game extra special is that the Lotería Doodle was illustrated and created by Mexican artists.

The guest visual artists that worked on the Lotería Doodle include Mexico-based Chabaski, Mexico-born Cecilia, Hermosillo-born Luis Pinto, Los Angeles-based Loris Lora, and Mexico City-based Vals.

“It was exciting to collaborate with five Mexican and Mexican-American illustrators to reimagine many of the classic Lotería game art for the Doodle—along with some new cards for a fun sorpresa!” Campos stated on the Googe page. “We also partnered with popular Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica, who serves in the iconic role of game card announcer for the Doodle.” 

Each artist also shared their favorite memories of playing Lotería. 

“I remember when I was around 6 years old, my mom and aunts would gather around a table and play for hours until we had to go home,” Chabaski said. “We would bet a couple of pesos, which made it more fun.”

The Lotería Doodle still honors the traditional game and educates a new generation of people about its origins. 

“Although it has changed a great deal since being officially copyrighted in Mexico on this day 106 years ago, Lotería is still wildly popular today across Mexico and Latino communities, whether as a Spanish language teaching tool or for family game night,” Campos said. 

Okay, so you’re ready to play?!

Click here and play with friends or strangers. And, if you want to make the game extra exciting play at home with your laptops and include some money for each round. Nothing wrong with making a buck and having fun. 

READ: 25 Times Latinos Have Graced The Google Doodle

‘Selena: The Series’ is coming together and fans are getting more and more good casting news. The Netflix series that dives into Selena Quintanilla’s childhood and early career is slowly but surely rounding out its cast. The show, which will debut at some point in 2020 is getting a dramatic overture, in the sense that every single bit of news related to the show has been drawn out. But we’re not mad. We just wish the series was out already. Here’s the latest development in the show. 

The cast that will portray Selena’s band, Los Dinos, has been named. Jesse Posey will play Chris Perez.

Jesse Posey, not to be confused with his older brother, actor Tyler Posey, will be Selena’s love interest, Deadline reports. The Santa Clarita, California, native could previously be seen in “Stitchers,” the 2017 TV series. His brother, Tyler, is definitely the more famous of the two. You may have seen him in the series “Teen Wolf” and as J.Lo’s son in “Maid in Manhattan.” So we’re really excited to see what his younger brother will bring to the table as Chris Perez. Those are some big shoes to fill because the love between Chris and Selena was undeniable. Jesse is also a musician, which is perfect for this part. 

Julio Macias will play Pete Astudillo, the recognizable member of Los Dinos, who wrote some of Selena’s greatest hits.

Macias can be seen on the T.V. show “On My Block” as well as “S.W.A.T.”

Daniela Estrada will portray Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla. From what we know of Selena’s family (from the Selena movie), Suzette wasn’t exactly thrilled to be the drummer of the band but definitely came through as her own becoming an established musician. Today, Suzette is Selena’s loudest advocate who continues to champion the legacy of her sister. 

Suzette is only one of those responsible for approving of the series. 

“Selena will always have a lasting place in music history, and we feel great responsibility to do justice to her memory. With this series, viewers will finally get the full history of Selena, our family, and the impact she has had on all of our lives,” Suzette Quintanilla said a year ago to the Hollywood reporter. “We are excited to partner with Campanario and Netflix to give fans a never-before-seen glimpse at our story and highlight why Selena will remain a legend for generations to come.”

Other cast members include Hunter Reese Peña, seen in “Morning Ritual” Carlos Alfredo, Jr., from “Mutt and Chopps,” Juan Martinez from “Triple Frontier” and Paul Rodriguez, Jr.

That last name should ring a bell. Paul Rodriguez, Jr. will play Roger Garcia another member of Los Dinos. He is also, in real life, the son of actor Paul Rodriguez and a pro-skater in his own right.

Peña, who will portray Ricky Vela, posted on his Instagram that he was beyond himself at the news that he would be in this new show. “Walked out of the shower this morning to a notification that I was on the news 😜 I’m going to be on @selenanetflix a new @Netflix series about my childhood hero Selena Quintanilla. I will be playing the role of Ricky Vela, her keyboard player, and songwriter for many of her hits. Dreams come true. P.S. This is kinda funny LOL they unknowingly cast my roommate @carlosalfredojr as a band member also 🤣🤣🤣 God has a sense of humor. Glad I didn’t give up.” So awesome! 

Just last month, the announcement of all announcements came through that Christian Serratos of “The Walking Dead” would be portraying Selena.

While the news was speculation for weeks, the announcement finally became official when Netflix finally released a Selena: The Series teaser, which showed Serratos as Selena. We were thrilled to finally see the role fulfilled, especially because we knew this pivotal role could make or break the series. After seeing the teaser, including Serratos in Selena’s signature look, we feel she will do an amazing job as the queen of Tejano music. 

Other cast members include Gabriel Chavarria, Ricardo Chavira, Noemi Gonzalez, Seidy Lopez, and Madison Taylor Baez.

Chavira, from the ABC show “Desperate Housewives” will play Abraham senior, Selena’s dad, and Chavira, will play Abraham Jr., Selena’s brother. 

READ: Watch: ‘Walking Dead’ Actress Ditches Zombies For Red Lipstick In New Selena Series Trailer