Once a month, Mexican bingo takes center stage at NO BAR, where host Iranipapi doles out fast-paced rounds and swoon-worthy prizes. The vibrant tradition of lotería takes on a new life on these cozy fall eves, where guests are welcomed to reconnect with their Mexican heritage or newcomers are encouraged to pick up a new game.
Iranipapi is no stranger to an expertly-curated event: they’ve held cultural programming roles at Rizzoli Books, Pop Up Grocer & more. We sat down with them ahead of their December session to get the scoop on their nostalgic lotería memories, the BTS of pulling off a dream event, and more. Head here to save your seats for the next one!
Tell us about your memories of playing lotería growing up and how it has connected you to your Mexican heritage.
My earliest memories were staying up at our family's parties in Mexico, with everyone at the table throwing down pesos for the winner's lot. I think seeing everyone playing the game together was such an important aspect of my upbringing. The food, the joy and the atmosphere that comes along with it. Leading the game now makes me feel really proud to have had the privilege to bring along that part of me, instead of keeping it as a distant memory. It still connects me home - my mom even came to the last one, all the way from Tijuana!
What inspired you to start a community lotería series here in NYC? What has the feedback been so far?
When I first moved here, I felt very isolated and alone, I also didn’t have anyone to mutually connect with my heritage and upbringing. As I went out more and more and started to participate in community and nightlife, I met so many Latinx people that were also looking for ways to connect. This party has been a way for me to help foster that.
The feedback has been absolutely incredible, especially the nights selling out. My favorite thing to do at every party is go around to tables, to hear about how they might have heard of the event, or what got them to come out. I’m always so surprised at how many first-timers show up. It’s always such a gift for me to get to connect with everyone. I think people really crave a joyous game night.
In addition to hosting monthly lotería at NO BAR, you produce standout events across NYC and have collaborated with Rizzoli, Pop Grocer, and more. What has been your favorite event outside of lotería?
I had the opportunity to produce a Dia De Los Muertos altar building party, it was the real spark moment for me. It was such an emotional and beautiful event, I really got to see first hand the impact this type of programming makes on people's lives. I always felt like I had to prove my ideas to the brands I worked for, and was truly lucky to have such an incredibly supportive marketing director, Rob Truglia, he really let me have full reigns of my vision. It was hosted with Pauu, of the non-profit ‘Migo Events’, they also produce incredible latinx experiences in the city. My close friend Nancy Moeller, also co-hosted, who had been connecting with groups of Mexican friends and Latinx industry folk, we all joined to create something extraordinary. Ticket sales were over sold-out, with additional arrivals at the door! I remember crying on the mic, seeing everyone together. To be so far from home, and getting to bring such an intimate part of my culture to such a wide audience, to do it with friends. It’s something unbelievable.
Events in this city can be so expensive, exclusionary and exclusive. In this current practice, I strive to make inclusionary community events that are meaningful. I’m so thankful of getting to experience the true heart of why I do this, again, with the first installment of lotería at The Standard. We just did our second, and the feeling has stuck.
What was your most challenging BTS event planning moment?
There are so many challenges that present themselves with events, although I don’t have a specific one in mind. I can say though that I’ve always been very independent and self-sufficient but I’m starting to understand that you should absolutely ask for help. You can do it all alone, but it is so much more satisfying to do it with others. You learn more while collaborating and team building, and it’s a lot less stress on yourself. Of course, you have to let go of perfectionism, hiccups will always happen, but the challenges won’t be as challenging. I believe collaboration is always key to the best of events.
What are your hopes for sharing the tradition of lotería with more people into 2025 and beyond? Any dream co-hosts or prizes?
What I love about Loteriá is that it’s so easy to play, inclusive even to non-spanish speakers, fast to learn, and it’s pretty inexpensive for the game-set itself. It’s a game for all, and what this party is proving is that many of us who come from the same cultural backgrounds can connect through it, while also building community, but there is no exclusivity, it’s for everyone to enjoy. What I hope to ignite is the connection between people. Of course, I’d be so lucky to expand and have Latinx co-hosts, and DJs from varying disciplines to join the party. Dream prizes? Everyone wants to win a night's stay at The Standard, East Village!
