Madrid: Spain’s annual Christmas lottery, popularly known as “El Gordo” (The Fat One), brought joy and celebrations across the country on Sunday. The event, a 200-year-old tradition, marked the official start of the festive season with a prize pool of €2.71 billion, slightly higher than last year’s €2.59 billion.
Top Prize Goes to Logroño
The coveted top prize of €400,000 per ticket, known as El Gordo, was won in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja—a region renowned for its wines.
The draw was held at Madrid’s iconic Teatro Real and broadcast live nationwide. Young students from the San Ildefonso school picked the winning numbers from revolving globes, singing them aloud in a tradition cherished by Spaniards.
A Festive Atmosphere
The event’s audience, many of whom queued for hours to attend, added to the festive atmosphere. Dressed in Santa hats, regional costumes, and holding personal lucky charms, attendees cheered and celebrated as numbers were announced.
One participant, Vicent Jacinto, donning a traditional Valencian fallas suit, expressed his hopes for the lottery’s proceeds to benefit flood-affected areas in Valencia. “Honestly, I think it should go to the affected areas. We’d like that very much,” he said, referring to the devastating floods in October.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The Christmas lottery dates back to 1812, during Spain’s fight for independence from French occupation. Initially launched to raise funds for the war effort, the lottery has evolved into a beloved national tradition.
Today, after operating costs and prize payouts, the proceeds are directed towards social causes, furthering the lottery’s historical purpose of aiding communities.
Lottery Mania Grips Spain
The weeks leading up to the draw see a surge in lottery fever across Spain. Groups of family members, friends, co-workers, and club members often pool resources to buy tickets, favoring “lucky” numbers or vendors.
The most common ticket costs €20, offering prize money up to €400,000 before taxes. This communal spirit of sharing tickets often spreads the winnings across entire communities, making the lottery a collective celebration.
Conclusion
Spain’s Christmas lottery, with its blend of festivity, tradition, and philanthropy, remains a cherished cultural event. As winners celebrate and proceeds support social causes, El Gordo continues to embody the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season.
