Spain’s Christmas Lottery Brings Joy and Hope
This past Sunday, Spain celebrated its beloved Christmas lottery, a tradition that spans over two centuries and marks the begining of the festive season. The anticipation surrounding the draw was palpable, with eager players across the country eagerly awaiting the chance to win a share of the massive €2.71 billion prize pool,slightly exceeding last year’s notable total.
The coveted top prize, known affectionately as “El Gordo” or “The Fat One”, went to lucky ticket holders in the northern city of Logroño, the capital of La Rioja region. The national lottery event, broadcast live from Madrid’s Theater Royal, saw young students from San Ildefonso school draw the winning numbers from two revolving globes, thier voices echoing through the grand hall as they announced each digit.
The festive atmosphere at the theatre was infectious, with audience members donning Santa hats, regional costumes, and carrying their personal lucky charms. Many were full of hope that the lottery might bring some much-needed joy and relief to those affected by the devastating floods that struck Valencia in October.
“I’d like the lottery to go to Valencia. Honestly, I think it should go to the affected areas,” said 25-year-old Vicent Jacinto, who was dressed in a traditional Valencian outfit. “We’d like that very much.”
Spain’s Christmas lottery is a national obsession. In the weeks leading up to the draw,families,friends,and colleagues often pool their money to buy tickets,sometimes favoring specific vendors or numbers they believe are lucky.A single ticket, costing €20, can win as much as €400,000 in prize money before taxes.
This year, more than half of the top prize, even though won in Logroño, ended up back in Madrid. A basketball club, based in the working-class neighborhood of San Blas-Canillejas, held many winning tickets. The club members, along with their families, celebrated with joyous chants and drumming, channeling their usual courtside energy into a celebratory dance.
Madrid Football Club Wins Big in Spain’s Celebrated Christmas Lottery
Excitement erupted in Madrid as the popular football club, Madrid Football Club, hit the jackpot in Spain’s renowned Christmas lottery, known as “El Gordo” (the fat one). The club’s staff and fans were overjoyed with the unexpected win, marking a joyous start to the holiday season. Physical trainer Diego Gala, 28, recounted the moment he received the news, saying, “I woke up late today and my mother came into my room with the tickets in her hands screaming like crazy.” Gala’s reaction captured the jubilant atmosphere that swept through the club.
