El Gordo de Navidad or the possibility of a holiday miracle.
The Christmas lottery in Spain, known as El Gordo de Navidad, is one of the most popular lotteries not only in the country but also in the world. It is held annually on 22 December and has a long history. The lottery was first held on 4 March 1812 in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars, when Spain was going through difficult times and the purpose of the lottery was to finance the army and the needs of the government.
Here are some key facts about the Christmas lottery:
- Prize fund: El Gordo has the largest prize fund of any lottery in the world, at over 2 billion euros. The maximum prize for El Gordo is 4 million euros for a fully successful ticket. The name of the lottery itself translates as ‘The Fat One’ because of the large amount of money to be won.
- Draw process: The draw takes place in the National Theatre in Madrid and is broadcast on television and radio. Traditionally, the children from the San Ildefonso School draw the numbers and sing them, which adds a special atmosphere to the event.
- Ticket sales system: Tickets cost 200 euros, but they can be bought in instalments. This allows many people to participate in the lottery. For example, a ticket can be divided into 10 shares, each of which is worth 20 euros.
- Where to buy a ticket: Tickets are sold in special lottery shops, but are also available in local bars and restaurants. Luck smiles especially on Madrid and Barcelona, where you can even see queues at the ‘lucky’ lottery shops. Nowadays, lottery tickets can also be bought online.
- Prize distribution: Unlike many other lotteries, El Gordo prizes are distributed among a large number of winners. There are over 1.5 million prizes up for grabs, so the odds of winning are much higher.
- Tradition and culture: The Christmas lottery has become an integral part of Spanish Christmas traditions. Families gather to watch the draw on television. Many winners talk about how the money has changed their lives. People cry with joy or disappointment. The Spanish Christmas Lottery adverts are a special genre. Each one tells a moving 4-5 minute story promoting the universal values of family, love, friendship and mutual support.
- Benefits of the lottery: Nowadays, part of the lottery’s takings go to social projects and various charities, which gives it additional value in the eyes of participants.
The Christmas Gordo is not just a game, it is an event that brings people together and makes them hope for the best on the eve of the holidays.
