Building Community Through Culture: Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano's Lotería Night

Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano (BFG) hosted one of the first social events outside of the club, following BFG’s mission statement of preserving and cultivating Mexican cultural heritage while building community within campus. BFG was fortunate to participate in the Student Organization Weekend Programming Fund, allowing the event to reflect its mission statement. BFG invited all students of Saint Mary’s into a space of community and friendly competition through its social, “Lotería Night,” on April 12th, 2026.

“I really enjoyed this event. It made me feel a part of the community and it was great seeing people who aren’t from the Latino community join and have fun!” 

- Student Event Attendee

There was a turnout of twenty-eight students attending the event, including eleven students who won prizes. A few students shared feedback in a survey explaining their experience, including one student event attendee who stated, “I really enjoyed this event. It made me feel a part of the community and it was great seeing people who aren’t from the Latino community join and have fun!”.

Students enjoyed a variety of Mexican dishes from the caterer Taqueria Los Gallos and had the opportunity to learn about the cultural history and rules surrounding the traditional card game, Lotería. This event enhanced the weekend and overall student experience on campus through its inviting environment, tasty food, and fun prizes, encouraging students to stay on campus for the weekend in anticipation of the event.