Culture bingo

Culture bingo is an adventure into the myriad landscapes of global traditions, languages, and customs. It offers a playful yet profound way to explore the rich tapestry of the world’s cultures, all while bringing people together for a good time. Whether you’re in a classroom, at a corporate diversity event, or hosting an international dinner party, culture bingo can spice up the occasion with learning and laughter.

How to play culture bingo

Culture bingo is your passport to a whirlwind tour of global traditions—minus the jet lag and tiny airplane peanuts. Whether you’re teaching world studies, hosting a DEI workshop, or just trying to spice up trivia night, this game brings the globe to your fingertips.

what you’ll need:

• Culture-themed bingo cards (featuring countries, customs, festivals, foods, languages—you get the idea)
• Something to mark off squares (stickers, pens, or digital clicks if you’re playing online)
• A caller or, if you prefer automation over awkward pronunciations, our dynamic bingo caller

how to play:

1. Distribute the cards – Everyone gets a different bingo card packed with cultural gems. One might have “Diwali,” another “Samba dance”—no repeats, no boring.
2. Call out items – The host (or caller tool) announces one cultural item at a time: “Kimchi,” “Carnival in Rio,” “The Maori haka.”
3. Mark your matches – If it’s on your card, mark it. If not, you might learn something new (win-win).
4. Claim bingo – Line up five in a row—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—and shout “Bingo!” Bonus points if you say it in another language.

This version of bingo works great in classrooms, diversity training sessions, or community events. It encourages curiosity and discussion without the need for a passport. And yes, you can customize every square—so if you want to throw in your grandma’s secret pierogi recipe as a space, go for it.

Ideas for playing culture bingo

Exploring cultural festivals

Create bingo cards themed around global festivals. Each square could represent a different cultural festival, such as Diwali, Carnival, Chinese New Year, or Oktoberfest. As you play, take the opportunity to discuss the significance of each festival, the country of origin, and the unique customs and traditions that define it.

Culinary adventure

Focus on the diverse world of cuisine. Populate your bingo cards with dishes from various countries. This could be a fun lead into trying out some of these foods, whether through a potluck where participants bring a dish represented on the bingo card, or by sharing recipes and cooking tips for international cuisines.

Language and phrases

Dedicate your bingo game to discovering new languages. Each square could feature a common phrase or greeting in a different language. As items are called, you could also share how to pronounce them, adding an interactive and educational twist to the game. This version is particularly engaging in language learning classes or multicultural gatherings.

Iconic landmarks and natural wonders

Fill your bingo cards with famous landmarks and natural wonders from around the world, such as the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, or the Amazon Rainforest. This variation can spark conversations about geography, history, and personal travel experiences.

Traditional clothing and fashion

Create a bingo game centered around traditional attire from various cultures. Each square can feature a piece of clothing, such as the Kimono from Japan, the Sari from India, or the Kilt from Scotland. This can be an excellent way for players to visually explore and learn about the diversity of cultural expressions through fashion.

Music and dance

Celebrate the universal language of music and dance by featuring different genres and dance styles from around the world on your bingo cards. You might include Salsa, Bollywood, Tango, or Hip Hop. This could also lead to a fun activity where participants share music or demonstrate dances related to the bingo squares.

Summary

Culture bingo offers a unique and interactive way to celebrate and learn about the diversity that surrounds us. By tailoring the game to various aspects of culture, from festivals and food to language and landmarks, participants can embark on a global journey of discovery and connection, all from the comfort of their own space.