Google searches have become a sort of cultural thermometer that tell us what people are interested in, their fears, likes and dislikes. Based on Google’s report on the Year in Search, we found evidence that Latino culture is alive and well, and is part of the mainstream even though some try to deny it! Here’s some of the Latino-related themes that made the top five in several categories. 

The Copa America, Latin America’s own World Cup like soccer tournament, was the 5th most searched term in “News” in the United States.

Yeah, you might think that soccer is not mainstream in the United States, but it is extremely important for Latinos. And the Copa America pins national teams against each other, so rivalries are born and revived. Do you go for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia? We can imagine hundreds upon hundreds of compadres enjoying the tournament together, or fathers and sons spending some time together as the beautiful game unveils on the screen. 

David “Big Papi” Ortiz was the third most searched athlete in the United States.

The Dominican star for the Boston Red Sox is revered by Latino and non-Latino fans, who read the news in disbelief: Ortiz was battling for his life after having been shot in Santo Domingo. He survived the attack after undergoing numerous surgeries and receiving support from his adoptive city of Boston. Long live King David! He is fine now and has even returned to the Dominican Republic for one of the many charity events that he is involved in. He got a new lease on life and we are happy for him. 

Cardi B’s bub was the fifth most searched baby… Baby Yoda was first, of course.

And of course Cardi B and Offset’s daughter was super searched. We mean, she is a Kultural Icon.. get it? Her name is Kulture, we didn’t misspell “culture” people! (before grammar snobs blast us!). Cardi B has become a symbol not only for Latinas, but for women in general: she is always herself, le guste a quien le guste. 

Cardi B was also the second most searched red carpet personality of the year! Shake it, honey! 

Our girl Cardi B had a great year by being her outrageous, gorgeous, controversial self. At the Met Gala red carpet she wowed everyone with a dress that was part kitsch and part British royalty. Te amamos. Her extravagance is unique… and stylish in her own way. 

Mexico was the fifth most popular tourist destination! Yes, it is safe to visit. 

Yes, the country is living one of its most dangerous periods ever when it comes to cartel violence, but touristy areas remain largely safe and Mexico City has established itself as a cultural hub unlike any other. Places like Oaxaca and Chiapas keep an ancient indigenous charm that is hard to resist. Mexico remains a great place to visit and Google search results indicate a steady interest in the United States’ southern neighbor. 

The powerful “When They See Us” was the third most searched TV show, and it triggered discussions around the rights of Brown and Black communities.

The show recalled the Central Park Five, a group of young Black and Brown kids who were unjustly blamed for the bashing of a white woman in Central Park and became the face of racial and systematic discrimination in America. The show was spearheaded by Ava DuVernay and given the thumbs up by Oprah Winfrey, which perhaps gave it a big push. We need more shows like this, which look at the past to teach us about the present and help us build a more inclusive future. 

Chiquis Rivera’s wedding was one of the most sought after of the year.

The wedding was a happy occasion for Jeni Rivera’s daughter, but also had a share of scandal. It was supposed to be a private event, but the Univision show “El Gordo y la Flaca” released the location of the bodorrio, so a mob of reporters inconvenienced the couple and their guests. Things got violent between reporters and security staff. And the wedding became a viral sensation among US Latinos. 

In Spanish-speaking Google, the most sought after movie was Roma.

The movie was this close to becoming Best Picture in the 2019 Academy Awards, for which it won Best Director and Best Cinematography. It also sparked debate around race and class in Mexico, were the topics are taboo. 

And the most looked after “How” was “How to learn English quick?” or “Como aprender ingles rapido?”

We hate to break it to you, but there is no easy way, mijos.

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