DTPHX Lotería: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage through Culture and Community

Each year, Downtown Phoenix celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) and on Thursday, September 18, Downtown Phoenix Inc. [DPI] hosted its annual DTPHX Lotería event at Renaissance Square.

“Lotería is a game deeply rooted in Hispanic households across many countries, and this event gives us a way to celebrate that tradition with the entire community. It is a larger community celebration that brings people together around culture, art, and fun, and highlights the incredible Hispanic-owned businesses in Downtown Phoenix,” says Jessika Baker, Community Engagement Director of Downtown Phoenix Inc. “My favorite Lotería card is El Sol because the sun is such an iconic part of being both a Phoenician and an Arizonan.”

Exiting the light rail at Central Ave. and 3rd St., you could already feel the contagious energy, hear that same energy from the beats booming from the live performance of DJ duo Vinyl Vagos, and admire the intricate yet simple flash tattoos being designed on beautiful bodies by SadBoy Studio for under $100.

The first 200 attendees received a commemorative enamel pin by local artist, Jon Garza, and this collectible pin did not disappoint. With a teal depiction of a luchador, with a yellow cactus on his forehead, this unique pendant of art is a keeper.

Exploring the Mujeres Mercado was a fun shopping experience, and the hustlin’ mujeres were all so passionate about their women-owned businesses and work – they served as inspiration for generations to come, selling homemade goods from jewelry to candles to stationary supplies.

As you passed the towering dancing Katrinas—large shadow puppets on stilts—by Cultural Coalition, you found an arts & crafts station hosted by The Crafty Chica. At Lotería, she led a workshop on creating resin magnets with Lotería cards.

“We create crafts and tell a kind of subconscious story,” says artist Kathy Murillo, The Crafty Chica. “Sometimes we search too hard for the story, but the magic happens when you simply create. Afterwards, you can look back and see what your subconscious was expressing.”

She points to one piece, El Mundo: “He's holding up the world, and I split the heart in half. It represents living as a Mexican American—carrying the world, balancing two worlds, with my heart split between ancestors and future generations.”

Finally, as the game of Lotería, emcee’d by The Funky Latina, went into the night, a delicious menu of tacos and burritos was offered by El Zaguán Bistro. Known for their birria and Sonoran ribeye, these savory items were the perfect way to top off the celebration under the stars. ¡Buenas noches!