On Monday, just two days before Christmas Eve, Spain's renowned Christmas lottery distributed an unprecedented €2.77 billion ($3.25 billion) in winnings, setting a new historical record with an increase of €70 million compared to the previous year.
Historic Lottery Draw
Established over two centuries ago, this lottery is recognized as the world's oldest and largest raffle based on the total prize money involved.
The top prize, known as El Gordo ("the fat one"), offers €4 million per winning ticket. This year, it was awarded 198 times, which is five times more frequent than in 2024.
After approximately an hour and a half, the winning number 79,432 was drawn at Madrid's Teatro Real opera house at 10:44 am (0944 GMT). Two students from the San Ildefonso boarding school announced the number to enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Winners Across Regions
Reports indicate that the grand prize benefited multiple ticket holders in Madrid as well as several less affluent villages in the León region, which had experienced significant damage from forest fires earlier in the year.
In the village of La Bañeza, with around 10,000 inhabitants, four young girls celebrated after their families purchased several winning tickets. One of them joyfully told RTVE cameras, "We've had a really hard time here. But now it's time to celebrate!"
The second prize of €1.25 million, corresponding to number 70,048, was drawn just 15 minutes after the lottery commenced.
Community Celebrations
In Madrid's Chueca district, a sales outlet that sold all 198 copies of the winning ticket quickly became a gathering point for celebrants with bottles of sparkling wine. The shop owner remarked to RTVE, "It's amazing, most of the buyers are just ordinary people from the neighbourhood."
Jesús Huerta, head of the Spanish lottery company Loterias y Apuestas del Estado, highlighted that the lottery fosters redistribution and helps mitigate social inequality, as many winners each year are individuals in need.
For instance, Juan Manuel, a 44-year-old unemployed clerk in Madrid, won €20,000. He shared with dpa, "I'm going to use it to pay off debts and maybe take my first holiday with my wife in five years."
Cultural Significance and Participation
In Spain, the Christmas lottery is more than a game of chance; it is a cherished tradition integral to the holiday season.
A festive atmosphere enveloped the Teatro Real and surrounding streets, even among those who did not win this time.
Winners receive 70% of the sales revenue, which has grown consistently in recent years to nearly €4 billion.
Full tickets cost €200, while fractions (tenths) are available for €20 each. On average, each Spaniard spent €76.08 this year, an increase of €2.20 from last year.
According to Spanish regulations, foreigners can participate if they are residents or present in the country at the time of purchase.
